Former Aston Villa starlet Myles Sohna confirms retirement aged just 22 due to injury issues as defender reveals risk to 'quality of life' if he kept playing

The defender spent 12 years in Villa's academy but injuries halted his progress, before leaving the club in 2023. The youngster has had three separate knee surgeries in his short career and now he has decided to hang up his boots for good as if he kept playing it may hamper his "quality of life".

The Instagram post reads: "It is with mixed emotions that due to injury, I have decided to retire from professional football. This has truly been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but after months of careful consideration and consulting with a specialist, it has become clear that this is the best decision for my long-term health. The past 3 seasons have been the hardest in my career, both mentally and physically. After rupturing my anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees in back-to-back seasons and working incredibly hard to get back from them both. Unfortunately, over a year ago I sustained a separate serious knee injury, which required a third operation.

"Going into the operation, I knew there was a chance the injury could potentially be career-ending but I never imagined this would become my reality. Despite doing everything in my power to get back fit, I still experience significant pain and swelling every time I perform any high-impact activity. As a result of this, I have been advised that continuing my career would severely affect not only my ability to play but most importantly, my quality of life in the future and given this, my health must come first.

"I want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout my footballing career and also my past teammates and staff at Aston Villa FC for making my 12 years there so special. I made memories there that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I trust that this is Allah's plan for me and I believe that he is the best of all planners. I now look forward to beginning this new chapter in my life. MYLES SOHNA 🖤."

While many would want to keep trying to return to football, sometimes making decisions like these are vital to your long-term health. It may be difficult finding a new career for himself but having a healthy body will be vital as a new chapter of his life begins.

While it remains to be seen what path Sohna will take next, his old side Villa host Crystal Palace at Villa Park in the Premier League on November 23.