FOOTBALL: SKY Blues skipper Sam Ricketts has been forced to retire from football after picking up a serious knee injury.
The 35-year-old has taken the tough decision following advice from doctors after picking up a knee injury last summer which has hampered his first team opportunities this season.
Rickets made a total of 56 appearances for the Sky Blues after being signed as skipper by Tony Mowbray in July 2015 and played a key role in the club’s push for promotion last season.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me to fulfil every boy’s dream of becoming a professional footballer,” said Ricketts.
“I am grateful to all of the managers, coaches and teammates that I have had the honour of working with and learning from throughout my career.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the brilliant supporters of the clubs I have played at for always offering me their wholehearted support.
“Last but not least, I wish to thank my family for being my inspiration and for having always been there for me.”
Before joining the Sky Blues, Rickets enjoyed spells at Hull City, where he won promotion to the Premier League, and Bolton, before helping fellow Midlands club to Wolves to promotion from League One.
Ricketts also enjoyed success on the international stage where he made over 50 appearances for the Wales after making his debut against Hungary in February 2005.
He will now embark on a coaching career having already gained experience by taking charge of a number of sessions for the Sky Blues’ youth teams.
He added: “I have been hugely fortunate to ply my trade in every division from the Conference to the Premier League and am immensely proud of having being capped by Wales on 52 occasions.
“It has been a fantastic journey and one which has provided me with so many unbelievable experiences and memories.
“As my playing career comes to an end, I am now looking forward to embarking on a new chapter. A few years ago, I started working towards my coaching badges and am currently in the process of completing my UEFA A Licence with the Welsh FA.
“I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead and now hope to be able to give something back to a game which has given me so much.”
