We are witnessing an old, reliable VW Golf coming to a slow, sad halt at the side of the motorway.
Shay Given looks to have played his last game of the season. The 40-year-old limped off at half-time in Stoke’s 4-0 loss to Manchester City and did not return for the second 45.
Post-match, Potters boss Mark Hughes confirmed the Ireland international had suffered a groin injury.
That was only Given’s fourth appearance of the season for his club and only his second Premier League outing. He shipped four goals against Tottenham on Monday night.
Soft tissue injuries can often be cleared within weeks so Given may yet return before the season is over. The lack of game-time and constant niggles will not aid his Euro 2016 cause, however.
Ahead of the game, it was all about setting records. Good ones.
Shay Given first Stoke player to play a league game aged 40+ since Stanley Matthews, aged 49 at Leicester (Jan 1964) pic.twitter.com/h9IIXeQlka
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) April 23, 2016
The elderly jokes were out early
https://twitter.com/Handsome_Jim/status/723883670168342528
Stoke went 1-0 down after a Fernando header and many blamed Given’s positioning and footwork.
About time Shay Given hung up the gloves I think judging by today
— Stephen Pierce (@StevenPierce16) April 23, 2016
Shay given 💔
— Barcelona (@barcelona10119) April 23, 2016
Then injury struck.
https://twitter.com/DanStrong_/status/723855949019119616
Some were plain merciless.
Shay given taken off at HT. It appears he going to miss the closing hours to pick up his pension. Thanks Geoff.
— Opi (@Fpl_Opinion) April 23, 2016
Don’t let it end this way…
Whoa! Didn't realise Shay Given got hooked at halftime! Last @premierleague appearance of a long career fizzles out?
— GadFly* 🔻 (@FPL_Fly) April 23, 2016
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