Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason has been forced to retire from football after taking medical advice on the head injury he suffered against Chelsea in a Premier League match in January 2017.

Mason, 26, fractured his skull in an unfortunate clash of heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill.

Confirming the news of his retirement on Tuesday, Mason said: “”I have worked tirelessly in order to be able to return to the pitch.”

“Unfortunately, having taken expert medical advice, I now have no option but to retire due to the risks involved given the nature of my injury.

“I am and always will be eternally grateful for the incredible network of people around me who have helped me to recover from what was a life-threatening injury in January 2017. That you to my amazing fiancé, Rachel, who has been my by side and lived every single day with me since the injury, helping to give me the strength I’ve needed no mater how tough things got. We are so lucky to have now become the parents of our perfect baby boy George.

“To my mum, dad, sisters, and all of my family and close friends, thank you for everything. Despite how tough it’s been and the challenges I’ve faced along the way you’ve all been there supporting me and words will never truly do justice to how grateful I am for your love and support.” he concluded.

Hull City added: “Ryan has sought the guidance of numerous world-renowned neurologists and neurosurgeons who have all advised that a return to competitive football is not advised.”