Source: Daily_Mail
Ashton set to retire after warning West Ham crock could end up in a wheelchair
Injured West Ham striker Dean Ashton is set to announce his retirement from football after a leading surgeon warned him he could end up in a wheelchair if he keeps playing.
The 26-year-old visited Dutch surgeon Niek van Dijk for an assessment on the injury three weeks ago, reports The News of the World.
Van Dijk told Ashton, who fractured the ankle during a England training ground accident with Shaun Wright-Phillips three years ago, he must accept his playing career was over.
The one-time capped England striker has been out for action for a nearly a year as the worsening state of his ankle took its toll.
West Ham have confirmed Ashton is unavailable for selection and the News of the World claims the club are now in the process of lodging an insurance claim.
The Hammers are also said to be negotiating a pay-off for Ashton, who moved to Upton Park for £7million from Norwich City in 2006. He scored 15 goals in 46 appearances for the club.
