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Bolton defender Darby retires after Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis

The defender has announced that he has been forced to call time on his career at the age of 29 after being diagnosed with the illness

Bolton Wanderers defender Stephen Darby has been forced to retire aged 29 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The former Liverpool youth academy product joined Bolton from Bradford City ahead of 2017-18, making three Championship appearances last season.

Darby, who married Manchester City and England defender Steph Houghton in June, announced the news of his retirement on Tuesday, after being diagnosed with the illness by a specialist.

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"It is with great sadness that I announce my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease," Darby said via Bolton's official website.