“Leeds United is in my blood”

An open letter has been written by Stuart Dallas following the news of his retirement from football. The Northern Ireland international tackles all corners of his career with Leeds United, his country and beyond.

Here is the open letter in its entirety: “Today, it is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional football. Over the past two years, Leeds United’s medical team, along with the incredible surgeons in London, have worked tirelessly to help me recover from the injury I sustained against Manchester City in 2022.

“Unfortunately, despite their best efforts and my body not progressing as it should, I now have to accept that my knee has suffered irreparable damage and I will not be returning to play professional football. I am of course devastated by this news.

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“As a child growing up in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, all I wanted was to play professional football and I will be forever grateful that, for me, that dream came true. Maybe this isn’t how fairy tales should end, but now I have to deal with the fact that this chapter of my life is coming to an end.

“I’m incredibly grateful to so many people over the years who have helped me not only make the most of my career, but have allowed me to do so with a smile on my face. My special thanks must first and foremost go to my wonderful wife Junéve, whose unwavering support has been ever-present since the first day we met.

“We have three beautiful children with whom we have made so many memories and I will be forever grateful. To my family and close friends that I have spent so much time discussing this with, you have lived and breathed every moment with me. Thank you.

“Thank you to all my coaches and former coaches at my current and former clubs for being part of the journey. When I moved from Northern Ireland to England I couldn’t have asked for a better club to go to in Brentford and I will be forever grateful.

“I have been fortunate to work with some outstanding managers, but two in particular who I want to thank in particular are Marcelo Bielsa and Michael O’Neill. Marcelo’s incredible training helped me improve not only as a player but also as a person off the pitch.

“Premier League football seemed a million miles away at times but he made it all possible. These were simply the greatest years of my career and I created memories that I will cherish forever.

“Michael believed in me and gave me the opportunity to represent my country on so many occasions, for which I will always be grateful. Playing against the Green and White Army at Windsor Park and also getting the chance to do it in a major championship at Euro 2016 was unforgettable.

“You are truly amazing and it was a great honor. I would also like to pay tribute to the staff, management and medical team at Leeds United for their outstanding support during some dark days.

“I truly believe we have the greatest medical team around and a special thank you to Rob Price, Henry McStay and Ruben Crespo who worked around the clock to give me the best medical care I needed. To my teammates over the years, nationally and domestically, there are too many to mention, but you know who you are, friends for life.

“A special mention must go to Liam Cooper, who I have been with since I first stepped through the doors at Thorp Arch many years ago. An incredible captain, teammate, friend and player whose talent and contribution to the team is often unrecognized.

“The man is truly a wonderful man. My final thanks must go to you, the Leeds United fans. Your passion and love for this team and city is what makes Leeds so special.

“You really are the 12th man. As the famous hymn says, “We’ve been through it all together and we’ve had our ups and downs.” I was lucky enough to share the joy with you at the wonderful stadium that is Elland Road.

“Leeds United is now well and truly in my blood, I have memories that will stay with me forever and I look forward to joining you in the stands as Daniel Farke and the team aim to get us back into the Premier League and beyond. As sad as it is that my playing career has come to an end, I can look back with so many happy memories, representing the country I love and a team that had such a big impact on my life.

“Leeds is a place I will call home forever. Thank you.”