Hull’s Ryan Mason forced to retire due to fractured skull

Hull City’s Ryan Mason has been forced to retire from football at the age of 26 due to a fractured skull.

Mason’s injury came as a result of a clash of heads with Gary Cahill during a match with Chelsea in 2017.

The midfielder, who won one cap for England in 2015, required surgery following the incident and has spoke of feeling “lucky to be alive”.

He started his career with Tottenham and joined Hull for a club record fee, believed to be about £13m, in August 2016.

The Tigers said in a statement: "Ryan has sought the guidance of numerous world-renowned neurologists and neuro surgeons, who have all advised that a return to competitive football is not advised.

"Ryan would like to put on record his thanks to all at the club who have aided his recovery to this point and he is indebted to them for their support and compassion over the past 12 months."