Norwich City striker Alex Notman has been forced to retire from football as a result of an injury sustained blocking a Mark Venus freekick in the Portman Road derby last season.

Notman injured his ankle blocking the powerful strike during the match in September 2002, receiving a yellow card for encroachment for his trouble.

Despite intensive treatment and rehabilitation work over the last year he played only one more game before calling it a day.

Venus, now with Cambridge United, says he feels for the 23-year-old former Manchester United player: "I am devastated to hear this sad news. I had no idea there was a chance that this could happen and I feel for the lad.

"Here I am going strong at 36 and Alex is being forced to quit at 23. It doesn't seem fair and I am just very sorry for him.

"I hate to hear about any player being forced to retire prematurely and when it happens to someone as young as Alex your heart goes out to him.

"It was a freak accident. I suppose it could have happened the other way round or to anyone else. I just hate to see a young lad in his prime having to quit the game.

"I hope he is looked after in the right way and I wish him all the best. Whatever he chooses to do I really hope he is successful."

Photo: Action Images

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