End of the line for Delaney
15 Aug 2007 - 10:32:49
Aston Villa defender Mark Delaney has been forced to admit defeat in his efforts to overcome a long-standing knee problem and has retired from professional football.
The 31-year-old Wales international had been with Villa for more than eight years, but has not featured for his club since February 2006 and Delaney has reluctantly called time on his career.
He told Villa's official website: "This is a very sad day for me and this is not a decision I have taken lightly.
"But, having taken everything into consideration, I feel this is the right decision for myself and my family."
Villa boss Martin O'Neill added: "Mark has tried absolutely everything. He's put everything into getting back. He's been dedicated, coming in here every single day.
"Everything he's been asked to do, he's done. He's gone to the very best people and he's tried everything.
"But there must have been the occasional doubt in the back of his mind and he's had a year to contemplate the possibility that this might be it.
"It's not something that's just snapped and gone overnight. He's had the year to think about it and that should at least prepare him a bit better for this."
Delaney won 36 caps for his country during his career, as well as making nearly 200 appearances for Villa following his arrival from Cardiff City.