Footballer hits £3k target for career-saving surgery after quitting at 27

Marcus Maddison, who quit football at 27 before performing a U-turn, has smashed his fundraising target for a career-saving operation.

The former Peterborough United and Bolton Wanderers winger set up a GoFundMe page last week. He set a £3,000 target for an operation that he claims will help him to re-launch his career.

Maddison, now aged 28, walked out on professional football in April 2021 after saying that the industry "broke" him.

He then made a U-turn, going on to sign for non-league side Spalding United. After revealing he had a torn meniscus Maddison last week launched a fundraising page saying that without the surgery he "will be unable to run again, never mind play football".

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Now, just days after setting the page live, Maddison has surpassed his total.

As of Wednesday morning a total of £3,645 has been raised.

That includes donations from Maddison's former Peterborough teammates Michael Doughty - who donated a sizeable £1,000 - Nathan Thompson and Kieran Sadlier, among others.

Speaking on an Instagram video, Maddison said: "The generosity I've seen from people over the past four or five days is ridiculous.

"We've hit our target.

"I spoke to the hospital today. They're going to fit me in this week, and once the operation is done I can start to get on the mend and get back into football."

Maddison only launched the fundraiser last week, posting a lengthy statement in which he spoke about his desire to return to football full-time.

He wrote: "I'm now ready to do what I do best and love the most: playing football! However, I have an obstacle standing in my way.

"I have a tear in my meniscus, which is massively holding me back, I have had a medical assessment already, and I need an operation.

"This, however, doesn't come without a price and a cost that is out of my reach due to suffering from depression and being unable to work for the past year.

"Your support already through those times has been greatly appreciated, and there is no way I could ever thank you enough! Although I am here asking if there is any way you can find it in yourself to help me with my journey to getting back to the pitch. This will give me the operation/aftercare and support I need to get back to doing what I love."

Whilst at Peterborough, Maddison was a tricky winger who was often linked with a move higher up the leagues.

He would end up being loaned out to Hull City but flopped in the Championship. He then moved to Charlton and then Bolton before walking out on the game.

During an in-depth interview with sportBIBLE last year, he said: "The love for football probably hasn't been there for a long time.

"I believe I've had my time. I know I'm only 27 and this is meant to be my prime, but I've tried my hardest with my ability. If you're not going up the levels, it's not for you."