Crushed Roberts speaks on retirement
Walsall defender Stephen Roberts has revealed his heartbreak after he was forced to quit football through injury.
The 29-year-old has called time on his career after persistent back problems ended his spell at the Banks's Stadium.
Speaking to the Express & Star, the Wales international admitted he was always fighting a losing battle.
He said: "I'm devastated. It's not a nice decision to have to make. I've had problems with my back every day. It wasn't improving, even with rest, and I was fighting a losing battle.
"I'd done quite well to come back for pre-season, play with the rest of the lads and I was ahead of schedule, but I don't want to just sit there and take my wages."
Roberts, capped once by Wales against Hungary in 2005, suffered a knee injury last December and his recovery was subsequently hampered by back spasms. He returned in pre-season but developed a cyst on his back last month.
Today the player revealed his quality of life in future years was key to his decision.
He said: "That was a big factor. I couldn't get back to a level of performance professional football demands, but you've got to think about the whole package.
"After it first happened in February I couldn't move an inch, because I was in that much pain."
Roberts made 21 appearances in his 15 months with the Saddlers, scoring once, following his arrival from Doncaster on free transfer last summer and praised Saddlers' physio Jon Whitney for his efforts.
He said: "The club have been first class. Jon has worked his socks off with me and everything we have done is the best we could have. It was the right decision.
"When I came to Walsall it was a fresh challenge and I was desperate to do well, but I don't think I've ever really played to my full potential."
Roberts, a keen artist, is now thinking about providing for wife Rebecca and nine-month-old son Evan and has spoken to the Professional Footballers' Association about his options.
He said: "I'm looking to get myself sorted ASAP. It's one of those situations where you've got to find a completely different path and it's quite scary thought.
"I'm in touch with the PFA and hopefully something will come about from my art work."
