James McClean says hip injury could cut career short after Derry City return | OneFootball

James McClean has revealed a worsening hip injury that he says could cut short his career after returning to Derry City this year. The player said in a post that the situation has become intolerable over the past six weeks.

The 37-year-old rejoined his boyhood club in January after helping Wrexham secure back-to-back promotions to the Championship under Phil Parkinson. He has three assists in 11 appearances, his last a 2-2 draw with Dundalk on 10 April when he was sent off. He previously played for Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City.

He explained he has long played through hip pain, but training and playing on artificial surfaces have accelerated the damage beyond what he anticipated. Restricted movement has become the major issue, bringing a heavy mental toll.

Everyday life is affected, from playing with his children to putting on socks and walking. A specialist told him 10 days ago that, given the severity of the damage, his body currently has no business being on a football pitch.

He respects the opinion but will not give up without a fight. He has an appointment tomorrow that he views as a last chance to hopefully pursue surgery, if it is even possible.

If feasible, he believes an operation could let him contribute for a club he loves, Derry City, in an acceptable state. He shared the update because it could be a while, if ever, before he can do so again.

Source: Sunderland Echo