Leeds United’s Stuart Dallas announced his retirement from football earlier this week.
Dallas has been out of action for the last two years now having fractured his femur in a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City all the way back in April 2022.
The 32-year-old has undergone a number of surgeries and long rehabilitation process in order to get himself back fit, but unfortunately it has just proved to be too serious of an injury to comeback from.
Speaking just last month, Dallas had still harnessed hopes of making a return. In terms of the long-term picture health wise, though, this certainly feels like the right decision.
It has undoubtedly been an emotional week for everyone involved at Leeds with tributes from so many players across the footballing world having poured in.
Farke confirms what Dallas role will be at Leeds this season
Daniel Farke understandably took a lot of time during his press conference speaking about Dallas today, delivering a glowing tribute before any questions were even asked.
It has already been confirmed by Dallas himself that he will be sticking around until the end of the season, as that is when his current contract at Elland Road expires anyway.
But Farke has now really spoken about how big of a role he could play in the dressing room in such an intense promotion run-in, given his past experience and how young the squad is.
He said: “It’s key to have him around. I would prefer to have him available for the games but to have him here and his personality, he calms the games down, it is important, we have a pretty young group.
“Cree Summerville, Joseph, Gnonto, Rutter, Gray, Meslier, all young lads. To have his experience and personality around the dressing room calms the nerves down and helps motivate everyone.
“We have got some young lads so to have a proper Leeds legend there is always important. You need that energy and enthusiasm of youth and the experience of the more experienced players. Stuart is a top class character.”
Dallas announcement could be added incentive Leeds need
Obviously Dallas’ retirement is the news no Leeds supporter wanted to hear but in a funny sort of way, it could actually galvanise the team for the rest of the season.
Leeds are very much in a slump at the moment at the worst possible time, so any extra incentive to go and get promoted can’t do any harm.
And in truth, there can be no better incentive than to see Dallas off from his incredible time at Leeds with the club back in the Premier League.
Dallas has been in and around the dressing room all season and there is no doubt he will be a massive figure off the pitch in the next few matches.
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