Former Liverpool superstar retires from football after being diagnosed with life threatening disease

The 29-year-old defender received the devastating diagnosis from a specialist recently and had no choice than to hang his football boots.

Darby only recently married England women's captain Steph Houghton over the summer before being diagnosed with the disease.

    "It is with great sadness that I announce my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease.
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank my team-mates, Phil Parkinson and all the staff at Bolton Wanderers Football Club for their amazing support at what has been an extremely difficult period for myself and my family.
"I would like to ask for privacy at this time so I can adjust to the battle I have ahead and so that I can spend time with those closest to me,'' Darby explained according to UK Sun.
Stephen Darby last played for Bolton Wanderers before quitting the game of football.