Former Bristol City maverick Lee Tomlin has announced his retirement from football aged 33 after spending the last few months playing through pain.
Technically brilliant and known for producing a moment of magic out of nowhere, Tomlin's career spanned 17 years and over 600 games before deciding to hang up his boots following a short spell with Doncaster Rovers.
He joined BS3 on loan from Bournemouth in 2016 for the second half of the season and dazzled with an array of tricks and flicks that got supporters off their seats. He scored six goals in 18 appearances to earn a permanent move in the following summer after signing a three-year contract to become the club's top earner.
Tomlin would fail to live up to the standards he set in a City shirt following his permanent switch with motivation proving to be a catalyst to his dip in form. There was also thought to be friction with Lee Johnson who prioritised hard work and dedication while former player Aaron Wilbraham spoke about the change in Tomlin's attitude after signing his three-year contract.
Posting a statement on social media, Tomlin confirmed his retirement with the words: "After much consideration, I have decided to retire from the beautiful game.
"I have been fortunate enough to have the career I dreamt about every night as a kid and have nothing but fond memories and love for the game. It's been a rollercoaster at times but I wouldn't change a thing.
"A big thanks to all my clubs and the players & staff that I've had the pleasure of working alongside. And, of course, a huge thank you to the amazing fans. Without your support, it wouldn't have been the experience it was. Looking forward to the next chapter, thank you."
Tomlin's career started in the non-league with Rushden & Diamonds before joining Peterborough, Middlesbrough and Bournemouth. After 18 months with City, he moved to rivals Cardiff where he had loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Peterborough.
He then had a short stint with Walsall and finally Doncaster. Speaking to Sky Sports, Tomlin admitted playing for the League Two has taken too much of a toll on his body having been forced to take painkillers to get through games.
He added: "But the last couple of months of playing and training every day have taken their toll on my body, and it's just been a bit too much for me, especially with the amount of painkillers I have to take to get through it.
"Playing football is all I've ever known, but to try and carry on is too much for me on my body. I wake up every morning in pain, and I'm trying to sleep at night in pain."
Tomlin's spell at City will always be remembered by moments of brilliance followed by periods of deep frustration having failed to maintain his undoubted ability. Injuries would curtail his career, particularly at Cardiff when he endured a series of groin issues that ultimately led to growing tensions with Mick McCarthy and his eventual release.
He has also spoken about his previous mental health battles in 2019 and earlier this year claimed he was looking to play football again after threatening to slip back to his "old self."
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
