The midfielder has made the decision to hang up his boots for good after his recent injury strugglesJoe Morrell has announced his retirement from professional football(Image: Football Association of Wales)

Wales international Joe Morrell has announced he has retired from professional football due to injury.

The midfielder, who hangs up his boots at the age of just 28, made 37 appearances for Wales, representing his country at both Euro 2020 and the World Cup in 2022.

He’s been a free agent since leaving Portsmouth at the end of the 2023-24 season, and hasn’t played a minute of competitive football since sustaining knee cartilage damage in January 2023.

Now, he’s confirmed that he has been forced to retire.

In a statement, the player said: “This is not something that I ever thought that I would be writing at the age of 28, but today I’ve officially retired from professional football.

“After almost two years of rehab, trying to get my body back in to a place to train, play and compete in the professional game, I’ve had to admit the fact that I am no longer capable of this.”

Morrell, who also played for Bristol City, Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City and Luton Town during his career, admitted it had been a tough couple of years, but insisted he had accepted that the time was right to call time on his career.

“It’s been an incredibly tough 21 months, full of promise, hope, tears and dark moments, but I’m at peace with the fact that I’ll never again be able to play,” he added.

“I can’t thank my close friends, family and most importantly my amazing wife enough, for the support that they’ve given me during this time.

“I firmly believe that I will come out of this period a more resilient, well rounded person with a greater sense of perspective on what’s important in life.

“Football is what I do and not who I am. I am truly one of the lucky ones, and I’m so thankful for the career that I’ve had.

“Being able to live out not just my dream, but the dream of millions of boys and girls around the world was never something that I took for granted, and I hope that it always came across that way.

“Starting at Bristol City, and finishing at Portsmouth, with stops at Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City and Luton Town. I would like to thank all of the supporters, staff, and team-mates of these clubs for all of the love and support you gave me during my time there.

“Almost 200 appearances in all three EFL divisions, 37 caps for the Welsh National Team, including trips to two major tournaments, UEFA Euro 2020 and The FIFA World Cup 2022.

“I’m proud to say that I gave it absolutely everything to make the most of my career, and the sacrifices, sweat and tears were all worth it.

“I will be approaching the next stage of my life with the same passion, enthusiasm and ambition and I can’t wait to get started with that process now.“