View attachment 460624November 2013
Scott Parker Retires
Scott Parker Retires
View attachment 460633
English midfielder Scott Parker has left Fulham after announcing his retirement from the game. The 33-year-old recently sustained a minor back injury in a Barclays Premier League game against London rivals Chelsea and was ruled out for 3 months.
Parker, who previously played for Chelsea, warned fans after the game that he was seriously considering an early retirement from his playing career as he didn't feel as though his body could cope much longer. The midfielder, who has appeared 18 times for his country, has reportedly taken several knocks in training and told the Fulham management he was struggling in recent weeks. Now, after the injury he picked up against Chelsea, Parker has decided to hang up his boots - to the disappointment of many Fulham fans. Upon hearing the news, Fulham message boards lit up with positive posts from users who wished Parker a positive future.
In a subdued press conference at Craven Cottage, Parker had this to say: "I'm very sad to announce my retirement from professional football. While the injury I received in the Chelsea game wasn't particularly serious, I didn't feel like I could continue. I would have probably returned, come back into the team and kept playing - and maybe that's what people wanted - but I didn't feel as though I could give 100% to the cause any more. I didn't feel it was right to come back in, take a place off one of the younger players and only be able to give 70 or 80%. I've had a very successful career, playing for my country 18 times, and would like to thank everybody who has helped me. I wish Fulham well in the future and will keep in contact with many of the lads."
When asked about potentially taking up a management job in the future, Parker had this to say: "It's something I'd be very interested in. I've been doing my badges over the past few months and feel like I could do a capable job. I've worked with a lot of experienced managers and feel like I understand a lot about the game because of that. I may not be able to ply my trade on the pitch any more, but I feel I could do a decent job passing on my knowledge on the training pitch. Obviously I need to weigh up my options short-term, and then hopefully somebody will see enough in me to see something for the future. As I say though, it's something I'd definitely consider."
. Will be following mate. Look forward to more.