FORMER Arsenal star Kyle Bartley has been forced to retire with injury just 24 hours before the first game of the season.
The 34-year-old defender has brought an end to his playing career after suffering a knee injury last season – announcing the decision just 24 hours before West Brom’s Championship season begins.
Kyle Bartley has been forced to retire with injuryGetty
Bartley still had one year remaining on his contract at West Brom, but had chosen to end his playing days after his “best efforts” to rehabilitate from the injury proved unsuccessful.
In a statement, he said: “Unfortunately, a knee injury I picked up during last season has led me to make the difficult decision to hang up my boots, despite my best efforts to rehabilitate from it.
“I consider myself incredibly lucky to have played the game I love, and it is the highs and lows of football that have helped make me the man I am today.”
He added: “I’d also like to thank the fans for their amazing support throughout the years.
“My family, too, are now all fans, especially my two little girls and I’m hoping we will all be back very soon to say thank you for everything. This club will always be part of my life.”
Bartley made more than 400 career appearances over a 16-year stint in the game.
As well as his spell at West Brom, Bartley laced up for Arsenal, Sheffield United, Rangers, Swansea, Birmingham City and Leeds.
The towering defender was highly-rated when he came through the ranks at Arsenal as a teenager, but managed just one first team appearance for the Gunners before moving on.
Kyle Bartley’s career
A brief look at Kyle Bartley’s impressive career…
2009 – 2012: Arsenal
2010 – 2011: Sheffield United (loan)
2011 – 2012: Rangers (loan)
2012 – 2018: Swansea City
2013 – 2014: Birmingham City (loan)
2016 – 2017: Leeds United (loan)
2018 – 2025: West Brom
CAREER STATS
Appearances: 422
Goals: 27
Assists: 11
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
That came in the form of a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Olympiacos in 2009.
After a flurry of loan spells Bartley earned a permanent move to Swansea where he was sent on loan again after failing to nail down a starting spot.
He finally settled at West Brom in 2018 after joining from the Swans, going on to represent the Baggies 232 times and scoring 15 times during his seven-year spell at the Hawthorns.
Bartley has said he will “continue to support” West Brom and manager Ryan Mason.
Baggies Sporting Director Andrew Nestor said: “I’d like to thank Kyle for his efforts during his years at The Hawthorns.
“He helped lead the team both on and off the pitch – often by putting his body on the line in the heart of our defence.
“Making more than 200 appearances for one club is rare nowadays and we are grateful to Barts for his seven years’ service to Albion.
“I’m sure all associated with the football club will join me in wishing Kyle and his family all the very best for the future.”
GettyBartley started his career at Arsenal[/caption]
John CliftonHe had a short spell with Leeds United[/caption]
Rex FeaturesBartley also played for Swansea City[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
