HULL’S England midfielder Ryan Mason announced his retirement from playing today after failing to recover from the fractured skull he suffered in January 2017.

The 26-year-old was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill at Stamford Bridge in January 2017 and has not played since.

“I can confirm that following specialist medical advice I am having to retire from playing professional football,” Mason said in a statement released today.

“I have worked tirelessly in order to be able to return to the pitch.

“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.

“I’m retiring from the game with my head held high having done everything in my power over these past 13 months to have given myself every opportunity to return to the pitch.

“I feel content knowing that I dedicated my life to be able to play football at the highest level, hard work really does pay off!

“I love the game, I always will and I am excited to see where football will take me next.”

Headway, the brain injury charity, offered its continued support, with chief executive Peter McCabe saying: “At Headway we understand the long-term impact a brain injury can have and although this difficult decision must be heartbreaking for Ryan, it is a sensible one.”