Charlie Wyke has confirmed his retirement after taking part in for the likes of Hartlepool United, Sunderland and Bradford City throughout his profession.
Former Hartlepool United, Middlesbrough and Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke has confirmed he has introduced an finish to his taking part in profession in an emotional assertion.
The 33-year-old was nonetheless making his means by way of the youth ranks at Middlesbrough when he joined Pools on mortgage in August 2012 in what can be the primary of two separate mortgage spells at Victoria Park. After scoring two targets in 25 appearances in League One, Wyke returned to Boro however loved a much more productive mortgage stint with Pools throughout the 2014/15 marketing campaign as he netted 4 occasions in 13 League Two appearances.
Wyke frolicked with Carlisle United and Bradford City over the next seasons earlier than returning to the North East with Sunderland in August 2018. After scoring 42 targets in 114 appearances for the Black Cats, Wyke accomplished a free switch transfer to Wigan Athletic throughout the summer time of 2021 – however a severe incident throughout a coaching session simply months later put excess of the striker’s taking part in profession in danger. Wyke collapsed throughout a coaching session in November 2021 and was handled by membership workers earlier than being taken to hospital for additional evaluation and remedy. After struggling a cardiac arrest, Wyke was fitted with a defibrillator and finally returned to taking part in throughout the early weeks of the next season.
Wyke would see out his profession with spells within the colors of Rotherham United and former membership Carlisle and his look within the Cumbrians 3-0 win towards National League rivals Brackley on the ultimate day of final season will now go down because the final of his taking part in profession.
In an emotional assertion, the skilled frontman paid tribute to his associates, household and key figures from a lot of his former golf equipment and defined his taking part in profession had left him with ‘memories he will treasure forever and friendships that will last a lifetime’. Wyke additionally mirrored on the life-changing second he skilled throughout his time with Wigan and thanks former Latics boss Leam Richardson and Dr Jonathan Tobin for the short response within the aftermath of his collapse and described himself as ‘forever in debt to them’.
Charlie Wyke retirement assertion in full
In an announcement launched through social media, Wyke stated: “According to the doctors, this day should have come a long time ago. I proved them wrong then, but after a lot of thought, I’ve decided it’s the right time to retire from football. As a kid growing up in Middlesbrough, all I ever wanted to do was play football. I could never have imagined where that dream would take me. Football has given me memories I’ll carry with me forever. I’ve been lucky enough to play for nine brilliant clubs, win promotions, lift a trophy at Wembley and share dressing rooms with some unbelievable people over the last 15 years.
“Like any career, there have been highs and lows. Mine just happened to include a couple of challenges I never thought I’d have to face. When I suffered a cardiac arrest in 2021, I didn’t know if I’d ever play football again. To be honest, football wasn’t my biggest concern. I just wanted to be there for Chelsea and to see Albie and Ava grow up. The quick thinking of Leam Richardson and Dr Jonathan Tobin saved my life, and I will be forever in debt to them. The support I received from my family, friends and everyone in football gave me the strength to keep going.
“To pull a shirt on again and walk back out onto a football pitch is something I’ll never, ever take for granted. It wasn’t just my comeback – it was for everyone who stuck with me through my darkest days. After returning to action at Wigan and going back to Carlisle, another setback came along after life finally felt settled again. In 2024, I suffered injuries that meant 462 days of rehabilitation. Once again, football had to take a back seat. Some days were hard. Really hard. There were times when it felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere, but every step forward was worth it. Not just because I wanted to play again, but because I wanted my children to see no matter what life throws at you, you keep going.
“People will always tell you something can’t be done. They’ll tell you your time is up or that it’s time to throw in the towel. I’m proud that I never listened. I’m even prouder that I’ve been able to finish my career on my own terms. To every teammate, manager, coach, physio, doctor, member of staff and supporter who’s been part of my journey, thank you. I wouldn’t be writing this today without you.
“Most importantly, thank you to Chelsea, Albie and Ava, my Mam and Dad, my brothers Matty and George, and my agents from day one, Lee and Mark. You’ve been my reason to keep going every single day. Every setback, every sleepless night and every good moment has been easier because of you. Football has given me so much, but my family will always be my greatest achievement. I leave the game with memories I’ll treasure forever and friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see what comes next. Thank you for everything.”
