Leeds United: Stuart Dallas wants to ‘inspire people’ with his career path
Stuart Dallas wants his career journey to inspire people after he retired from Leeds United due to injury.
The 32-year-old utility player was forced to retire after a two-year layoff with a knee injury, suffered against Manchester City in April 2022.
The announcement was made via the official club website (10 April).
Speaking after the European Under-19 Championship draw, transcribed by the Belfast Telegraph, Dallas shared his hope to inspire the next generation of footballers.
He said: “I said to my wife the other day I didn’t realise as many people liked me or that I had made an impact on as many people and I genuinely mean that. Certainly over the last week the messages that I’ve had since I announced my retirement have been unbelievable and I’m very grateful for them all.
“Now that I’ve finished when I look at my journey I hope it can inspire people like kids who don’t get a chance at a younger age and have to wait that bit longer and use the Irish League as a stepping stone. Hopefully, people can look at my journey to never give up.”
How good was Stuart Dallas for Leeds United?
The Northern Ireland international signed for the Whites in August 2015 and has gone onto make 266 appearances for the club.
Since his move from Brentford, he scored 28 goals and played a role as Leeds finally gained promotion back to the Premier League.
He was particularly successful under Marcelo Bielsa where he featured in a wide array of formations. From central and wide midfield to full back, he was an all action, versatile force in the squad.
His first Premier League season was an undoubted success. According to the Premier League, he scored eight and assisted two as he featured in every game.
The campaign after saw him grab one goal and one assist prior to his injury. Unfortunately Leeds were relegated and Dallas didn’t feature again.
He was a great pro for the Whites and grew with the club as they were transformed under Bielsa. It is a tragedy that his career is over so soon given the ability he had to offer.
In other Leeds United news, a teenage sensation is now set to snub Manchester United in order to move to Elland Road.
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