Manchester United goalkeeper Paul Woolston has announced his retirement aged just 23.
The North Shields-born stopper has been forced to call time on his short career due to injury, having joined the Red Devils from Newcastle in 2018. After rising through Sunderland 's ranks from the age of 10, Woolston's time between the posts has sadly come to a premature end, undergoing two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period in recent years.
"Never thought I would have to write this at 23 but this chapter has had to come to an end," the ex- England youth international wrote on Twitter. "I can look back proudly on what I've achieved in my career but I am excited about what's in store for the future. A new chapter awaits."
Woolston, who signed a new deal with the Red Devils last summer, also told manutd.com : "To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now. I am really proud of everything that I have achieved, many people dream of playing football at this level.
"Of course, I would have loved to have gone on further but it has been an absolute honour to represent Manchester United during my time here. The support of my family, friends, team-mates, coaches, the medical staff and entire Manchester United Academy has been phenomenal.
"Everyone has played a major part in my journey by keeping my spirits up, allowing me to reflect positively on my playing experiences and begin to look to the future. Right now, I am fully focused on the next stage of my career. I am ready to use all of my learnings, resilience, drive and determination to make a real success of my life."
The 23-year-old received warm tributes from fans upon the announcement alongside his fellow goalkeepers at Old Trafford, including David de Gea. "It's always bad when someone has to retire at a young age." the United No.1 said. "I've spoken with him, the other day, and said to him that the most important thing is life, more than football, in terms of a proper life.
"It was sad. I have been training with him, when he was fit, and it's very sad news. I wish him all the best. He's a great lad, a great goalkeeper and we all feel really sorry for him. I trained with him and he had a very good left foot, I remember, and it's sad for him and for the club.
"But, as I said before, I was speaking with him and, first of all, it's life and being in good conditions to have a good life. Of course, in life, sometimes problems happen and things happen. You have to keep looking forward, keep fighting and that is what life means. Like I say, I wish him all the best."
Back-up Dean Henderson joined De Gea, adding: "It's devastating for himself and for all of us around him," said the keeper recently. He was a great guy to work with throughout the age groups. When I was in the younger age groups, I even remember playing against him when he was at Newcastle. For such a young lad to retire at the age he is, is devastating."
