Former Premier League academy star announces retirement from football at the age of 22 after suffering TWO ACL issues in back-to-back seasons

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A former Aston Villa academy player has retired from football at the age of 22 due to injury.

The centre-back spent 12 years with Aston Villa in their academy before being released in 2023 while he was in what he has described as 'the hardest three seasons in my career'.

He had been backed to make his way into the Villa first team, having progressed through the age groups at the club as injuries started to have an impact on his journey.

Myles Sohna of Aston Villa suffered back-to-back ACL injuries in as many seasons, in separate knees, and it appears that his afflictions have now ruined his career after he was dealt a third knee problem.

Sohna featured 17 times for the under-18 side at Villa and on 11 occasions for the under-21 team.

He took to social media to detail the news, explaining how he needed to call it a day for his long-term health as he detailed his journey. 

An Aston Villa academy star has announced his retirement from football at the age of 22

Myles Sohna has quit the professional game after suffering ACL injuries in consecutive years

He played for Villa for 12 years before being released by club at the end of the 2022-23 season

He posted: 'It is with mixed emotions that due to injury, I have decided to retire from professional football. This has truly been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but after months of carful consideration and consulting with a specialist, it has become clear that this is the best decision for my long-term health.

'The past 3 seasons have been the hardest in my career, both mentally and physically. After rupturing my anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees in back to back seasons and working incredibly hard to get back from them both. Unfortunately over a year ago I sustained a separate serious knee injury, which required a third operation.

'Going into the operation, I knew there was a chance the injury could potentially be career ending but I never imagined this would become my reality. Despite doing everything in my power to get back fit, I still experience significant pain and swelling every time I perform any high impact activity.

'As a result of this, I have been advised that continuing my career would severely affect not only my ability to play but most importantly, my quality of life in the future and given this, my health must come first.'

A number of players who graduated Villa's academy commented on the post, with Southampton forward Cameron Archer writing: 'My G,' accompanied by a crying emoji and love heart emoji.

Tim Iroegbunam, who now plays for Everton, posted: 'My bro mann, all the best,' accompanied by a blue heart emoji.

Sohna went onto thank everyone for their support in a separate post, writing: 'Thank you to each and every person for the incredible support and messages.'

A number of current Premier League players sent him well-wishes on the Instagram post

Sohna went onto thank family and friends for their support as he reflected on his career

His statement, meanwhile, continued: 'I want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout my footballing career and also my past teammates and staff at Aston Villa FC for making my 12 years there so special.

'I made memories there that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

'I trust that this is Allahs plan for me and I believe that he is the best of all planners. I now look forwards to beginning this new chapter in my life.'