Preston goalkeeper Declan Rudd has sadly been forced to hang up his gloves after a real battle with injury but has received great messages from all corners.
Rudd announced his retirement last week, confirming his career had come to an abrupt end much earlier than he would have thought.
The 31-year-old picked up a knee injury last season, then a concussion at the start of this season and then another knee blow earlier this term.
After undergoing surgery late in 2021, Rudd has now decided to call it a day and move onto the next stage of his life.
Rudd will be at Deepdale on Tuesday night to bid farewell to Preston, though he will of course be welcome back whenever.
Having first joined in 2013 and then returned in 2017, racking up nearly 200 appearances for North End before his retirement.
Andrew Lonergan has led the plaudits for Rudd, but players from around the world have been sending messages to Rudd on Instagram.
The likes of Robert Snodgrass, Bradley Johnson, Karlan Grant and Grant Holt congratulated Rudd on a great career whilst wishing him well for the future.
Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli followed suit, crediting Rudd for a top career even if it has been sadly cut short.
Arguably the biggest praise came from United States International goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who never actually played with Rudd but was clearly a big fan.
Hamid stated that Rudd is a ‘legend’ to him and many others, praising him for a career many would dream of whilst wishing him luck.
It’s clear that Rudd was hugely popular even outside of Preston and he will surely have a future in football if he wants it.