Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Bowden has announced his shock retirement from professional football at the age of 23.
Bowden joined Tottenham's academy at the age of six and progressed through to the club's under-21 side before spending time on loan at League Two outfit Oldham Athletic in the 2021-22 season. He made 25 appearances in all competitions with the Latics, scoring once goal in that time.
However, the midfielder's promising career was stifled after he suffered a serious ankle injury in August 2022. And as a result of failing to overcome the injury nearly three years later, Bowden announced his retirement from the professional game on Sunday night.
Writing on Instagram, Bowden said: "Sadly, my football playing career has come to an end. On August 13th 2022 I suffered an ankle injury that would ultimately ruin my interesting playing career I had ahead of me.
"Firstly, I give thanks for being able to call myself a professional football player and to score a professional goal whilst on loan at Oldham.
"I started kicking balls at such a young age and loved every moment of it. It’s just unfortunate that I was never able to fulfil my potential on the pitch.
"Since then I’ve learnt lots of new things. I’ve learnt that mental health is real and how powerful it can be. My love for the game is deep, that football is in my DNA and my want to help is profound. God is with us throughout.
"I want to thank the people that have stuck by me during this hard period, and the people who helped me during my playing days. I look forward to see where the beautiful game takes me next."