Darby retires due to motor neurone disease

Bolton Wanderers defender Stephen Darby has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, leading to his retirement from football. The 29 year old has requested for privacy so that he can adjust ahead of what is sure to be the toughest battle of his life, with tributes pouring in from every corner of the football world since the news was announced. MND is a vicious disease that many are already well aware of, and all we can do now is pray for Stephen as he begins this journey.

Darby began his career with Liverpool around ten years ago, and since then he’s played for a handful of clubs across English football. The outpouring of love and affection showed towards Stephen draws comparisons to Carl Ikeme, who was diagnosed with leukaemia last year.

Stephen Darby signed for Championship side Bolton Wanderers back in 2017 after spending five years with Bradford City, leaving Liverpool back in 2012.