Dean Ashton: I may never run again, admits retired West Ham striker

12 December 2009 09:11
Former West Ham striker Dean Ashton has admitted it is unlikely he will ever be able to run again after quitting the game because of an ankle injury. [LNB]The 26-year-old suffered the injury in in a challenge by England colleague Shaun Wright-Phillips in 2006 and has since tried in vain to recover. [LNB]Ashton announced he had quit the game on Friday and is understood to be considering whether to sue the Football Association, Wright-Phillips and Chelsea who were his club at the time. [LNB] Hammer blow: Former West Ham and England striker Dean Ashton admits he may 'never run again' after being forced to call time on his career, aged 26[LNB]'It's a rubbish situation. I just want to be able to walk properly and, at the moment, I cannot,' admitted Ashton.[LNB]'My health is obviously more important than football. I was told if I kept trying to play football, I might never walk again. [LNB]  'I am going to hospital on Tuesday for a fifth operation. [LNB]'It's unlikely I will ever be able to jog again but right now, I can't walk properly. [LNB]'My left ankle is still very sore. It will be a while before I feel OK and get over this disappointment. [LNB]'There is a bit of bitterness and I think 'Why me?'. It's a sad part of football.'[LNB]  West Ham's Dean Ashton forced to retire from football at just 26Jamie Redknapp: The moment you're told that's itWEST HAM UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail