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EXCLUSIVE
GAME OVER?

‘This could be me done’ – Steve Sidwell admits he is contemplating retirement after back surgery

The former Chelsea and Reading midfielder is a free agent after leaving Brighton at the end of last season

Steve Sidwell has told talkSPORT he is considering retirement following surgery on a back injury which kept him on the sidelines for most of last season.

The former Chelsea midfielder is a free agent after leaving Brighton this summer.

But he has said he could now hang up his boots as he may struggle to get back to fitness.

Speaking on Thursday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the 35-year-old said: “If I’m honest, I think this could be me done.

“I had minor surgery just after the end of the season to hopefully clear up this back issue I’ve had which kept me out of the majority of last season.

“The surgery went well. I’m in rehab stages at the moment and we’ll see how it goes.

 Sidwell played a big role for Brighton as they secured promotion to the Premier League, before injury heartbreak then ruled him out for the top flight campaign
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Sidwell played a big role for Brighton as they secured promotion to the Premier League, before injury heartbreak then ruled him out for the top flight campaign

“But I have to be true to myself, I’ve got to sit down and really look at it.

“There will always be an element, no matter if I was 45 or 55, where I’d be saying I could still play. A footballer always has that in them.

“But for health reasons and for the family, I really need to reflect on it.”

Having begun his career at Arsenal, Sidwell has made over 500 first-team appearances in the Premier League and Championship for Chelsea, Reading, Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and most recently Brighton.

 Sidwell with his former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho last season
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Sidwell with his former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho last season

And, if he is forced to end his time as a player, he is hoping to put that wealth of experience to use as a coach.

“I’ve done my badges,” he added.

“I’ve done my B-License and I’ve literally completed by A-Licence, so the coaching side of it will be ticked off and that could be something I will possibly go into.

“It’s going to be a difficult time if I have to make that decision [to retire], but I’m sure there will be new opportunities and new beginnings after that.”

Listen back to Steve Sidwell on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast IN FULL above

 

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