Gary Cahill sends classy tweet after Ryan Mason announces retirement from football

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By Glen Durrant

Published Feb 13, 2018

Mason hasn't played football since fracturing his skull in January 2017

Hull City's Ryan Mason today announced his retirement from professional football due to the head injury he suffered against Chelsea in January 2017.In a nasty collision with Gary Cahill at Stamford Bridge, the 26-year-old fractured his skull and hasn't been able to play ever since.And now, following advice from medical professionals, he's decided to bring a premature end to his playing career.Mason said in a statement: "I can confirm that following specialist medical advice I am having to retire from playing professional football."I have worked tirelessly in order to be able to return to the pitch. Unfortunately, having taken expert medical advice I now have no option but to retire due to the risks involved given the nature of my injury."I am and always will be eternally grateful for the incredible network of people around me who have helped me to recover from what was a life-threatening injury in January 2017."I am so proud to have come through the ranks to play for my club, the club I love. To have had the honour of captaining the team fills me with immense pride."Thank you to all of my teammates over the years, there are too many to mention, it's been a privilege to play alongside you all."Finally, representing my country is an honour that nobody can ever take away from me and something that I am so proud to have achieved."I'm retiring from the game with my head held high having done everything in my power over these past 13 months to have given myself every opportunity to return to the pitch."News of Mason's retirement broke earlier this morning, with football fans eagerly waiting for Cahill to respond - and now he has.Cahill has shown his class by wishing Mason and his family all the best for the future, also describing his decision to retire as "heartbreaking".