Former Liverpool star forced to retire aged 29 after being diagnosed with illness

Stephen Darby, part of the pictured Liverpool squad, has been forced to retire at the age of 29 after being diagnosed with illness [Courtesy]

Bolton defender Stephen Darby has been forced to retire aged 29 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The former Liverpool and Bradford star received the diagnosis from a specialist and has now had to call time on his football career.

Darby came through the ranks with hometown club Liverpool, making his competitive debut against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in December 2008.

Darby has been forced to retire aged 29 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease [Courtesy]

He enjoyed loan spells with Swindon, Notts County and Rochdale, before leaving Anfield on a permanent basis to join Bradford.

Darby married England women's captain Steph Houghton in June.

He said: “It is with great sadness that I announce my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease.

“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.

He enjoyed loan spells with Swindon, Notts County and Rochdale, before leaving Anfield on a permanent basis to join Bradford [Courtesy]

“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's last club saw him link back up with his former Bantams boss Phil Parkinson at Bolton, and the Trotters manager has paid tribute to the retiring right-back.

“This is heart breaking news for Stephen and his family and the thoughts of everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club are very much with him and Steph," he said.

“He is an outstanding professional and a fantastic person

The Professional Footballers' Association has vowed to support Darby, husband of Manchester City defender and England captain Houghton.

The PFA's Matthew Buck told the website: "As a footballer Stephen has been the epitome of a true professional. Since I first met him and began representing him at the age of 17 he has dedicated himself to the sport and has had a successful career, whilst experiencing the highs and lows of the game.

"He has become a good friend over the years and knowing Stephen throughout his football career I am sure he will face the future with the same determination and resolve he showed throughout his football career.

"I have seen first hand how difficult the last few weeks have been for Stephen, Steph and his family but he has conducted himself with a tremendous amount of dignity and bravery.

"Stephen has been a credit to his profession and myself and the PFA will continue to support Stephen in his battle ahead against Motor Neurone Disease."

Parkinson added: “He was simply magnificent during his time at Bradford and was a key figure in the resurgence of Bradford City as a football club.

“He typified everything the city and the football club represented and led by example on and off the pitch.

“The Bolton Wanderers fans didn’t see the best of him due to limited first team opportunities, but I can assure everyone that he made a significant contribution in last year’s survival.

“He constantly set high standards in training every day and encouraged and drove his fellow teammates on

“All the staff and players at Bolton Wanderers Football Club think the world of him and are determined to give him every possible bit of support.”

Motor neurone disease (MND) affects the brain and nerves and causes weakness that get worse over time. Sir Stephen Hawking suffered from the condition.

There is no cure and can significantly lower life expectancy, but some people live with it for many years.

Last year an American medical study made a link between motor neurone disease and heading a football.