'Leeds is a place I will forever call home' — Yorkshire Post 10/4/24
Leeds United favourite Stuart Dallas announces retirement and thanks Marcelo Bielsa among others
LEEDS UNITED midfielder Stuart Dallas has announced his
retirement from professional football at the age of 32.
By Leon Wobschall
The Northern Ireland international, a hugely popular player
and dressing-room figure during his time at Elland Road, has been sidelined
suffering a femoral fracture during the Premier League game against Manchester
City almost two years ago on April 30, 2022.
Despite the best efforts of Dallas to return to the
first-team fold, which has seen him work extensively alongside medical and
rehabilitation staff at Thorp Arch after embarking on the long road to recovery
following surgery, he has been unable to make a return to playing and has now
taken the decision to retire.
Cookstown-born Dallas, moved to Leeds in August 2015 from
Brentford, joining up with his ex-Bees manager Uwe Rosler.
He made his United debut in the 1-1 Championship draw with
Burnley at Elland Road and made over 250 appearances for United where he
thrived during the Marcelo Bielsa era in particular.
During his time at Leeds, Dallas, who showed his versatility
on either side as a winger, at left-back, right-back and centre midfield, was
also a vital cog for Northern Ireland and helped them secure a place at first
ever European Championships and participate in their first major championship
in 30 years at Euro 2016.
Penning an open letter to announce his retirement, Dallas
wrote: “Today, with a heavy heart, I announce that I will be retiring from
professional football.
"Over the past two years, the Leeds United medical team
have worked tirelessly to help me recover from the injury I sustained in the
game against Manchester City in 2022.
"Sadly, despite their best efforts, and my body not
progressing how we need it to, I must now accept the fact that my knee suffered
irreparable damage and I will not be returning to play professional football. I
am of course devastated by this news.
"As a young boy growing up in Cookstown, Northern
Ireland, all I ever wanted was to play professional football and I will be
eternally grateful that for me, that dream came true.
"This may not be how fairytales are supposed to end,
but I must now deal with the fact that this chapter of my life is drawing to a
close.
"I’ve been fortunate to work with some outstanding
managers, but two in particular I want to pay special thanks to are Marcelo
Bielsa and Michael O’Neill. Marcelo’s incredible coaching helped me improve not
just as a player, but as a person off the pitch too.
"Premier League football seemed a million miles away at
times, but he made this all possible. These were simply the greatest years of
my career and I created memories that I’ll cherish forever.
"I would also like to pay tribute to the staff,
management and medical team at Leeds United for their outstanding support
during some dark days. I truly believe we have the greatest medical team around
and special thanks must go to Rob Price, Henry McStay and Ruben Crespo who have
worked around the clock to give me the best medical attention that I have
needed.
"To my team mates over the years, nationally and
domestically, there are too many to mention but you know who you are, friends
for life.
"A special mention must go to Liam Cooper, who I’ve
been with since I first walked through the doors at Thorp Arch many years ago.
An incredible captain, team mate, friend and player whose talent and
contribution to the team often goes unrecognised.
"The man is truly a wonderful human.
"My final thanks must go to you, the Leeds United fans.
Your passion and love for this team and city is what makes Leeds so special.
You really are the 12th man.
"Leeds United is now well and truly in my blood, I have
memories that will remain with me forever and I look forward to joining you in
the stands as Daniel Farke and the team aim to take us back to the Premier
League and beyond.
"Leeds is a place I will call home forever.”