It is always sad when a player has to hang up his boots, but it is always more emotional when a young player is forced into retirement – and that’s what has happened to a former Leeds United player.
Back in March 2019, Darlington-born Morten Spencer was scouted and lured to Elland Road by Leeds United from Sunderland. Still only 15, Spencer was expected to work his way into Leeds’ U21 side.
Leeds beat a number of clubs to land Spencer’s signature from Sunderland, with The Sun even saying Premier League champions Manchester City were close to landing the versatile player back in 2019.
The Norway U18 international went on to spend the next five years on the books at Leeds, clocking up more than 50 appearances for the club’s U18 and U21 sides during that period in the Leeds academy.
Morten Spencer ‘heartbroken’ as he confirms retirement at 21
Last summer, Spencer’s five-year spell at Leeds came to an end and the lofty talent joined Derby County on a free transfer. He played six times for The Rams’ U21 side before complications began to arise.
Indeed, those complications have now been confirmed by Spencer himself. The player has taken to Instagram to announce his retirement and report he has been forced to do so, due to a heart defect.
His post on social media included: “Heartbroken to be saying this. I will be retiring from professional football due to a cardiac problem I can’t carry on with. All I’ve ever known is to kick a ball.
“I have learnt everything from the game. I’m thankful and proud of what I have achieved. I will never forget the memories I have and have created along an amazing journey,” the former Leeds ace added.
Archie Gray and Ian Harte react to Morten Spencer’s news
Incredibly difficult for a player to have to retire so early on in their career. A player with plenty of talent, having represented both England and Norway at youth level over the last few years while at Leeds.
But Spencer has confirmed that he can no longer play professional football and it has promoted a response from many of his old Leeds U21 teammates, including £40m Tottenham signing Archie Gray.
Alongside Gray to comment and send his best wishes included Leeds and Elland Road legend Ian Harte, who said he was “gutted” for the youngster and told him to “stay strong” in the face of such adversity.
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