Izzy Brown has called time on his playing career after a number of injury issues throughout his career that forced the playmaker to come to the ultimate decision – and a whole host of Leeds players, and Kalvin Phillips, responded.
A player full of potential coming through the academy at Chelsea and winning England youth caps, Brown was often sent out on loan. He enjoyed spells at Vitesse Arnhem, Rotherham, Huddersfield and Brighton before joining Leeds.
But it was during Marcelo Bielsa’s first season in charge and the demands were high, physically. Often, he broke down during his Leeds spell and it saw him play just two times in all competitions. He was a regular in the U21 team.
He went on to have further loans at Luton and Sheffield Wednesday before joining Preston on a permanent deal in 2021. But, he failed to play a single minute for them and left the club last summer. He has been a free agent, since.
Numerous injuries to his achilles and multiple ops have forced Brown to call time early on his career – in what is a great shame to see such talent go to waste. He posted a statement on his Instagram page on Thursday afternoon.
Leeds players and Phillips respond as Brown announces retirement
A real shame. Those that followed the Leeds Under-21 side in Bielsa’s first season will remember how Brown often strolled around the middle of the park, wearing the 10 shirt and sometimes the captain’s armband, a class above.
Not only was it a shame not to see him really get a go under Bielsa at Leeds, but it is also really sad to see his career end in this way. Plenty responded from all parts of the world – including a number of Leeds stars, and Phillips.
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