MLS 2022: back injury ends Ryan Shawcross' 16-year career

The surprises in MLS 2022 do not stop and although some are pleasant, others are not so pleasant, like the one Ryan Shawcross gave when he announced his retirement as a professional soccer player after 16 years of career, due to a back injury. 

The news was announced today by Inter Miami CF, who thanked the player through a statement published on their social networks and website. 

The career of the Inter Miami CF defender has suffered a lot due to injuries, but not so much because of their frequency but because of their severity. 

Still very much in the back of his mind is the terrible injury he suffered while playing for Stoke City. In a match against Leicester, the player was swept and suffered a terrible tibia and fibula fracture. 

But the player managed to overcome that injury and continued playing. However, the back injury he suffered last August was much more serious than he expected and therefore, he had to undergo surgery in September. 

The former Stoke City captain reached an agreement with Inter Miami CF to terminate his contract early to take care of its health and pursue your next goals.

And everything seems to indicate that the results were not positive, so the player decided to end his career to take care of his health. 

Shawcross' farewell words were very touching

Through Inter Miami CF's statement, the player expressed how much it hurts him to leave the sport he loves so much, due to his back injury. 

The player's words were:

“After being fortunate to have enjoyed a 16-year playing career with top organizations such as Inter Miami, Stoke City and Manchester United, I would like to announce my retirement from professional soccer”. 

Shawcross detailed that he would like to focus on developing a career in coaching after he passes his coaching certification exams.

This is because for him, although his injury ended his playing career, it could not end his love for the sport. 

The player did not miss the opportunity to thank those who trusted him to bring him to play at Inter.

"I would like to thank Chris Henderson, Phil Neville and the whole Inter Miami CF organization and fan base for the opportunity they've provided me to come here - I've really enjoyed the experience and being a part of this incredible project," were the defender's words. 

The former Stoke City captain also thanked his former team for having trusted him, and the fans of that club who never stopped supporting him. 

On the other hand, Chris Henderson, Miami CF Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, also dedicated a few words to the player. 

"The club would like to congratulate Ryan on his successful career and his time with Inter Miami CF as a player. Although injuries have prevented us from getting the best out of Ryan on the field, he has contributed significantly to the club off the field. We wish him the best in his next coaching move." 

Shawcross' MLS numbers and brutal experience at Stoke City

After signing with Inter Miami CF in February 2021, Shawcross racked up 12 appearances for the team, nine of them starts before the horrific back injury he suffered in August. 

That injury prevented Major League Soccer fans from appreciating the full potential of the experienced 34-year-old defender who arrived from Stoke City. 

He made 400 appearances for Stoke City, scoring 25 goals and providing 16 assists. He has also worn the captain's armband for the English club since 2010.

This player will certainly be missed in MLS 2022.