Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson picked up the Sir Tom Finney award for his contribution to the EFL at last night’s EFL awards.
The 29-year-old retired this season after twice battling back from cancer. His story is a remarkable one, not only did he beat the dreaded illness last season, but he bagged the goal that ensured Rochdale remained in League One, at least for another season.
He retired earlier this season, unable to reach the performance levels required of him, but did so to a resounding reception from across the football spectrum.
“My decision to retire is one of the hardest I’ve ever made,” he said when making the decision earlier this season.
“I have battled through some of life’s hardest challenges and have managed to overcome them. However, I’ve pushed my body to the absolute limit.
“My mind has grown stronger but with the intense treatment my body has had to endure over the last six years it is no longer able to perform to the demands of the professional game.”
His resilience has now been rewarded as he picked up his award to perhaps the loudest cheer of the entire evening.
When news broke on Twitter, fans from across football took another opportunity to heap praise on an inspirational figure from the English game.
https://twitter.com/CharleneSquire5/status/1115101250649980928
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