Former Preston North End midfielder Izzy Brown has announced his retirement from football after struggling with injuries.
Brown has today taken to Twitter to post a statement confirming that his playing career is now over.
Brown admits that it’s with ‘great sadness and a heavy heart’ that he must now hang up his boots.
Two Achilles tendon surgeries have caused lasting problems for Brown and he has decided he won’t be playing again.
Brown reflected on his favourite times at West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea and Huddersfield Town as he retires aged just 26.
So much was expected of Brown when he emerged in the West Brom ranks, and that’s why Chelsea were so keen to sign him.
Jose Mourinho backed Brown to become an England player during his time as Chelsea boss; that’s how highly rated he was in West London.
The attacking midfielder showed promise at Vitesse Arnhem and Rotherham United before really hitting the headlines with Huddersfield.
Brown helped Huddersfield win promotion to the Premier League and seemed destined for a big future.
Loans to Brighton and Hove Albion, Leeds United, Luton Town and Sheffield Wednesday didn’t quite work out for Brown though.
That meant Chelsea released Brown at the end of his contract in 2021, which is when PNE took a chance on the playmaker.
Sadly, Brown played just a matter of minutes in pre-season before suffering an Achilles injury, ruling him out for the season.
Ryan Lowe decided to end Brown’s contract early and almost a year on, no other clubs have taken a chance on him.
The 26-year-old’s injury problems prevented him from having a PNE career but he did do some great work in the community.
North End fans will hopefully wish Brown all the best with whatever comes next as the former midfielder takes the next step his life.