Source: Team_Talk
Ashbee rules out retirement talk
Hull City captain Ian Ashbee has revealed that he was advised by a specialist to consider retirement.[LNB] The 33-year-old midfielder has not played a competitive game for the Tigers since May 2009, when during a clash with Aston Villa he suffered an injury which led to a degenerative bone condition.[LNB]Having suffered the same injury in 2005, fears emerged that his playing days were soon to be over.[LNB]However, Ashbee has recently featured in friendlies against North Ferriby and York, and is looking forward to the new season.[LNB]He told the Hull Daily Mail: "He (the specialist) told me to consider retirement. He was looking out for me and the quality of life I'll have after football.[LNB]"You see ex-footballers who have difficulty moving around and he was probably more concerned about me as a human being rather than a footballer.[LNB]"It's easy for someone who's not a footballer to say retire, but I don't think people outside of the game know what it means to play football.[LNB]"You only get one chance in football. If it meant I was out for a year to get another year of playing, I think any footballer would do it."[LNB]On his current condition in the run-up to the upcoming Championship campaign, Ashbee added: "At the minute I would say I'm 65 to 70 per cent fit.[LNB]"I'm harsh on myself, but I know a big part of my game is getting about the opposition.[LNB]"There's some fantastic people who have come to the club this summer, some of the best I've worked with, and they will help me get to where I want to be.[LNB]"I've got a good feeling that regardless of whether I'm wanted in the team, I'll be fitter and stronger as the season goes on."
