Former England and Hull City football Ryan Mason has announced his unfortunate retirement from the game at the age of 26. It comes after his horror head injury against Chelsea last year.
Last January Mason was involved in a clash with Gary Cahill that saw him suffer the injury and be rushed to hospital for life-saving surgery.
Mason was a talented central midfielder who came through the system at Tottenham Hotspur. After a series of loan moves he eventually moved to Hull City in 2016.
Tonight, Spurs take on Juventus away. The sides have produced an enthralling first-half of football, but it was the conduct of their fans that impressed most as the traveling support took time to chant Mason's name and pay tribute to him.
“One Ryan Mason” #coys # thfc @RyanMason pic.twitter.com/DmWYSxUGSk
— WeAreTottenhamTV (@WeRTottenhamTV) February 13, 2018
Spurs fans singing “there’s only one @RyanMason!” in Turin tonight. Lovely touch 👏 #COYS
— Talking THFC (@TalkingTHFC) February 13, 2018
The club had also posted a video earlier today.
Always #OneOfOurOwn, @RyanMason. pic.twitter.com/r9kBYiWGVo
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 13, 2018
It was a lovely gesture from the away fans in Turin which honoured a player with a bigger impact on the club than many would assume. In 2014, current boss Mauricio Pochettino was without a win in four and in danger of losing to Nottingham Forest in a Capital One Cup third round tie. He brought on Mason who went on to land a superb equaliser and drive the side to a 3-1 win.
When speaking about the goal today, Spurs assistant manager Jesus Perez had this to say.
When you changed it all for us mate. We love you, always with you.
