Former Sunderland target Marcus Maddison has launched a fund raiser in an attempt to get his career back on track.
The former Peterborough United winger, who started out his senior career at Gateshead FC, called time on his playing career last year after claiming the football industry "broke" him.
Maddison was one of the most talented players in the EFL and was often touted for a move to the Black Cats and the Premier League.
The 28-year-old, originally from Durham, signed for Spalding United earlier this year but has since spoken of his desire to return to the EFL.
Maddison claims that the cost of the surgery is £3,000 and that without it he will be unable to run again, never mind play football.
On his Instagram page Maddison said: “Hi guys this post is reaching out which is hard for me to do but I have nowhere else to turn. After a year out sorting myself out mentally this operation on my knee is my last hurdle, without it I will never run again never mind play football.
“To those who don’t know me or my journey, My name is Marcus Maddison, I am 28 years old and was a professional football player until last year when my mental health took hold of me. I couldn’t see any way out of the depression that had engulfed me.
"I took a step back from my football and the career I loved! I have worked extremely hard to get my mental state in a much better place.
“I’m now ready to do what I do best and love the most: playing football! However, I have an obstacle standing in my way. I have a tear in my meniscus, which is massively holding me back, I have had a medical assessment already, and I need an operation. This, however, doesn’t come without a price and a cost that is out of my reach due to suffering from depression and being unable to work for the past year.
"Your support already through those times has been greatly appreciated, and there is no way I could ever thank you enough! Although I am here asking if there is any way you can find it in yourself to help me with my journey to getting back to the pitch. This will give me the operation/aftercare and support I need to get back to doing what I love.
“I know this isn’t your usual thing to see on here. However, I don’t know where else to turn. Thank you for your care and support always.”
Maddison spent time on loan at Hull City in the Championship before joining Charlton in 2020-21. The winger had a spell at Bolton cut short due to mental health and called time on his playing career.
