Hull's Mason forced to retire after skull fracture

Hull City's Ryan Mason has retired from soccer a year after fracturing his skull in a Premier League match against Chelsea, the midfielder said on Tuesday. Mason, 26, was injured in a collision with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill at Stamford Bridge in January, 2017 and tried to resuming his playing career with the Championship club.

Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason has been forced to retire at the age of 26 as a result of the fractured skull he suffered against Chelsea in 2017.

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— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 13, 2018

"I have worked tirelessly in order to be able to return to the pitch," Mason said on Instagram. "Unfortunately, having taken expert medical advice I now have no option but to retire due to the risks involved given the nature of my injury," he added. "I am and always will be eternally grateful for the incredible network of people around me who have helped me to recover from what was a life-threatening injury." Mason, who left Tottenham Hotspur in 2016, made 16 appearances for Hull last season.

?◾️ | It is with deep regret that the Club has to announce, following the head injury suffered on 22nd January 2017, @RyanMason is to retire from football with immediate effect ➡️ https://t.co/ccKiMlH6ZK pic.twitter.com/uNQ6mALO35

— Hull City (@HullCity) February 13, 2018