Former Wycombe Wanderers captain Matt Bloomfield has issued a statement on why he has decided to retire.
The 37-year-old has been advised to hang up his boots on medical grounds and hasn’t played for the club since the League Cup triumph over Exeter City in August.
Let's see your favourite Matt Bloomfield photos!
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) February 2, 2022
Reply below... pic.twitter.com/4RzPSXcPYd
Since the start of the campaign, he has been part of the coaching set up with the Chairboys, and will continue to be part of the backroom staff at the club.
READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers captain Matt Bloomfield announces retirement from professional football
His retirement was confirmed six days before his 38th birthday.
In an open letter, Bloomfield said: “Today [Feb 2] is the day that I announce my retirement from professional football on medical grounds.
“Although seemingly innocuous, the concussion at Exeter had lasting implications.
Thank You. My captain, my inspiration & most importantly my FRIEND. What a career & all the best in retirement. 💙💙 #MrWycombe #SeeYaOnThatSideSoon @wwfcofficial pic.twitter.com/rehn6SywzP
— daRealAAkinfenwa (@daRealAkinfenwa) February 2, 2022
“I have sought the opinion of medical experts who have advised me that I can no longer play the game that I love.
“I think I have known deep down for some time that I have played my last game of football. When I realised that the end had definitely arrived it still took some digesting.
“I was desperate to keep playing, and I’m still not sure I have come to terms with it, even with writing this statement.
“However, I know that I have so much to be thankful for.
“I lived out a boyhood dream to represent Ipswich Town in my first professional appearance.
And so this goal - his first in the Championship at the age of 37 - would turn out to be his last.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) February 2, 2022
Look how much it meant.
558 games, 42 goals.
Over and out. pic.twitter.com/31sVpIWyMj
“I then lived out my other boyhood dream to captain a team to victory at Wembley Stadium.
“I couldn’t have dreamt that the team I captained there would be the team that has become my club.
“How do I even begin to put into words the privilege that I have felt to wear the light and dark blue quarters for 18 years?
“The thought of never wearing the number 10 shirt again is heartbreaking.
READ MORE: Footballer, gentleman, legend: Wycombe fans show Adebayo Akinfenwa support with photos
Statue incoming.
— Malcolm Upton (@Alky007) February 2, 2022
Or maybe rename the training ground as Bloom Field.
“I have worn that shirt with pride nearly all of my adult life, and it has almost become a part of who I am.
“I have shared some really special memories at Adams Park with our fans, and I would like you all to know that your support over the years has meant the world to me.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒓𝒂. pic.twitter.com/4P9TOJXMZs
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) February 2, 2022
“You have made my playing career such a special experience and I thank you all for that.
“It would be amiss to pretend that it has been plain sailing.
“The injuries, the relegations, the penalty miss, and my advancing years tested my resilience and dedication to this club.
“However, all of that paled into insignificance on July 13 2020, when we achieved the unthinkable.
“To captain this football club at Wembley Stadium, and to lift the play-off trophy, was beyond those schoolboy dreams.
“The elation and euphoria at the final whistle was something that I never thought would be possible on a football pitch.
“I would like to place on record my sincerest thanks to the medical team at Wycombe Wanderers.
“A special mention must go to Dr. Bob Sangar who has always put my health at the forefront of every decision, even at times when I didn’t want to hear it.
💙 All the best with your retirement, Matt.
— Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) February 2, 2022
“A heartfelt thanks to Rob and Pete Couhig who have given me their total backing throughout their time as our owners.
“I am so grateful for their emotional and professional support during the last six months when I have been transitioning my career.
“They have been incredible owners for our football club.
READ MORE: 'He is one in a million' - Gareth Ainsworth's passionate defence for Adebayo Akinfenwa
“The timing of their arrival and what they allowed us to achieve at Wembley altered the course of our club’s future.
A couple of things to think about.
— Andy (@swearmeister) February 2, 2022
Not only do we have fans that weren't born when he joined, but also when he had his testimonial.
There is a certain "football club" that didn't even exist when he joined us.
“Gaffer, the respect I have for you as a man and as a manager cannot be understated.
“You have led us on this journey from that day at Torquay and made this club what it is today.
“I owe you a huge debt of gratitude for what you’ve done for this club and for my career.
Thank you Blooms. It’s been an absolute pleasure. What a player, what a man.
— Gary Broughton (@gbroughton87) February 2, 2022
“Without you and Dobbo, who has taught me so much not just about football but how to better myself in every way, I would never have been able to elongate my career to the extent that I did.
“To all my coaches, managers and team-mates, you have made this the journey of a lifetime.
“Without my mum and Dad’s dedication and support, none of this would have been possible.
READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers sign midfielder from Newcastle United on loan deal
“My siblings too have been beside me every step of the way.
“My wife is the backbone of our family unit.
“Her love and family drive allows me to continue to pursue a profession that gives me so much fulfilment.
“My two beautiful daughters have filled me with love since the day they were born and don’t even realise how much they inspire me everyday.
Captain, leader, @wwfcofficial legend!
— EFL (@EFL) February 2, 2022
All the best in retirement, Matt Bloomfield!#EFL pic.twitter.com/3F8Fc8Nj2d
“My dad gave me the best advice I have ever received when I signed for Ipswich Town aged 12.
"No-one knows how long this will last. The only thing that matters is that you give it everything.”
“I know that I can retire content knowing that I definitely gave it everything I had.”
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