E-Paper
Manchester United goalie forced to retire at 23
He has also represented England at the U-18 level and was part of the team during the European U-17 Championship and U-17s World Cup.
Manchester United goalkeeper Paul Woolston retired from professional football at the age of 23. The club issued an official statement in this regard, which stated: “Following significant determination to return to fitness, including two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period, Paul has unfortunately had to end his playing career.”
Woolston became a part of the club in 2018 after his stellar show against them while playing for Newcastle United’s U-18s. The goalie had started his footballing journey at a young age of 10 with Sunderland. In 2015, he joined the Magpies in 2015 and was also the club’s third-choice keeper for the 2016/17 Championship-winning season.
Woolston has also represented England at the U-18 level and was part of the team during the European U-17 Championship and U-17s World Cup.
During his time at the Old Trafford, he played at the U-23 level and regularly practiced with the senior team.
“To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now,” Woolston was quoted as saying in the release.
“I am really proud of everything that I have achieved, many people dream of playing football at this level. Of course, I would have loved to have gone on further but it has been an absolute honour to represent Manchester United during my time here.
“The support of my family, friends, team-mates, coaches, the medical staff and entire Manchester United Academy has been phenomenal. Everyone has played a major part in my journey by keeping my spirits up, allowing me to reflect positively on my playing experiences and begin to look to the future.
“Right now, I am fully focused on the next stage of my career. I am ready to use all of my learnings, resilience, drive and determination to make a real success of my life."
