Chelsea captain Gary Cahill has admitted that he is "devastated" at the news of Ryan Mason's retirement from football following a clash of heads between the pair last year.
Mason announced on Tuesday morning that his career has been cut short as a result of the sickening blow at Stamford Bridge 13 months ago.
The Hull City midfielder, who came through Tottenham Hotspur's academy ranks, made the decision on medical advice after initially fearing that he would never have the ability to walk again.
Following Mason's announcement, Cahill took to Twitter to wish the 26-year-old all the best in the future.
Devastated to hear today's news from Ryan. Competing for a corner is something we've done thousands of times and to see those consequences for a top professional like Ryan is heartbreaking. Sending all my love to him and his family, and wishing him the best for the future.
— Gary Cahill (@GaryJCahill) February 13, 2018
"Devastated to hear today's news from Ryan," he posted. "Competing for a corner is something we've done thousands of times and to see those consequences for a top professional like Ryan is heartbreaking.
"Sending all my love to him and his family, and wishing him the best for the future."
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door for Mason to return to the club in some capacity further down the line.
