Former Liverpool defender forced to retire after being diagnosed with MND

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Darby has retired from football after he was diagnosed with motor neurons disease.

Darby, who made six appearances for the Liverpool first team between 2008 and 2010, made the announcement via the Bolton Wanderers’ official website on Tuesday morning. The 29-year-old's last competitive fixture for the Wanderers came in December of last year and he has asked for privacy as he prepares to battle the neurodegenerative disorder.

 “It is with great sadness that I announce my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of motor neurone disease," he said in a statement. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank my teammates, Phil Parkinson and all the staff at Bolton Wanderers Football Club for their amazing support at what has been an extremely difficult period for myself and my family. “I would like to ask for privacy at this time so I can adjust to the battle I have ahead and so that I can spend time with those closest to me.”

Darby spent some time on loan at Swindon Town, Notts County and Rochdale before leaving Liverpool for Bradford City in 2012 where he went on to make 239 appearances over five seasons for the West Yorkshire club. He retires from the game with 329 professional appearances and a single goal.