Former Man City starlet and Premier League defender announces shock retirement on 27th birthday after two-year struggle with knee injury

• The former City youth captain said he will ‘always cherish’ his football memories
• He played for five different clubs and was won an award as a young player 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

A former Manchester City and Sheffield United defender has announced his shock retirement at the age of 27. 

The player revealed the decision on his birthday after a two-year battle with a knee injury. 

His career was a tour of the Football League system, as he plied his trade for clubs lower down the pyramid such as Oldham Athletic and Bury alongside Premier League outfits. 

He spent some time with West Brom towards the end of his career but wasn’t able to recover enough to play again and was released in May.

After considering the advice of medical professionals, he has hung up his boots. 

A former Manchester City youth captain has announced his retirement from football aged 27

Kean Bryan has revealed that he is hanging up his boots after a battle with a knee injury

He turned out for Sheffield United in their 2020/21 Premier League season and played for multiple EFL clubs

Your browser does not support iframes.

Kean Bryan has called time on his professional football career. 

He has captained Man City’s youth team and was Oldham’s Young Player of the Season in 2017/18 but only made 66 senior appearances. 

He managed 13 appearances in Sheffield United’s 2020/21 Premier League campaign.  

In an Instagram statement, he wrote: ‘Chapter 27. A year of new beginnings for me.. I would like to announce my retirement from professional football. After two long years battling with my knee injury, unfortunately, after medical advice, it’s time to say goodbye to the game of football.

‘Just a lad who grew up on a council estate in Gorton with dreams of one day being a professional footballer & that dream came true. To play in the Premier League and represent some of the biggest clubs in England is something I will always cherish and be proud of.

‘I want to thank everyone who helped me achieve my dream.. my mum & step dad who are no longer with us, who drove up and down the country to support me from the age of 10, I will forever be grateful for everything you both done for me. My two sisters and little brother who have always been my biggest fans. My fiancé who has been a rock for me in such a difficult period in my life, I will never be able to repay you for the support you give me. And of course, my two boys who without knowing have made this difficult decision so much easier I love you both unconditionally.

‘I look forward to the next chapter in my life. Thank you everyone for your support over the years. Peace & Love KB.’

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Source: Read Full Article