Desperately sad news as Irish defender Brian Lenihan forced to retire at 23

Brian Lenihan's career as a professional footballer is over.

Irish footballer Brian Lenihan has been forced to retire from the beautiful game at the age of 23. Lenihan, who penned a one-year deal with Hull City last year, explained in a statement on Twitter that he had to end his career early due to injury. His spell at the club had been plagued with injury since making the move from Cork City in August 2014 on a three-year deal. He has been capped seven times by the Republic of Ireland at U21 level and also featured in the senior squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Germany. You can read his statement in full below. https://twitter.com/brian_lenihan12/status/986540703747538944

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone associated with Hull City AFC for the care and support I have received over the past 4 years. From a medical point of view the staff have gone above and beyond for me and for that I will forever be grateful." "In light of events late last year, it is with deep regret that I have had to retire from Professional Football. Having to retire at 23 is something I did not foresee.. but such is life! This decision does not come lightly but due to the medical advice I have received it is an action that needs to be taken for my own wellbeing." "I'd like to give a special thanks to Dr Mark Waller, Rob Price, Alan Peacham and Ruben Crespo for the exemplary care and support they have given me during my time at the club." "I'd also like to express my gratitude to Steve Bruce, Mike Phealon, Marco Silva and Nigel Adkins for their advice and guidance during my time at the club." "Sometimes in life you need to give up on a life long dream to ensure you live a happy and more fulfilling life! Much Love Brian Lenihan."