Footballer launches GoFundMe page for £3k career-saving op after quitting at 27

Marcus Maddison, who quit football at 27 before performing a u-turn, has launched a fundraising page for a career-saving operation.

The former Peterborough United and Bolton Wanderers winger walked out on professional football in April last year.

He wrote a lengthy online post at the time, saying that the football industry "broke" him.

Maddison would later make a u-turn and joined eighth tier side Spalding United last year. He also spoke of his intentions to return to the EFL at some point but now has launched a GoFundMe page to try and pay for a knee operation.

Maddison claims that the cost of the surgery is £3,000 and that without it he will be unable to run again, never mind play football.

Will Maddison make it back to the EFL? Let us know in the comments

On his Instagram page Maddison said: "Hi guys this post is reaching out which is hard for me to do but I have nowhere else to turn. After a year out sorting myself out mentally this operation on my knee is my last hurdle, without it I will never run again never mind play football.

"To those who don't know me or my journey, My name is Marcus Maddison, I am 28 years old and was a professional football player until last year when my mental health took hold of me. I couldn't see any way out of the depression that had engulfed me.

"I took a step back from my football and the career I loved! I have worked extremely hard to get my mental state in a much better place.

"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.

"I know this isn't your usual thing to see on here. However, I don't know where else to turn. Thank you for your care and support always."

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, 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."

After joining Spalding, Maddison later went on to back-track and said he was targeting a return to professional football.