Tearful Zavon Hines announces his retirement from professional footbaIl

BROMLEY attacker Zavon Hines has announced his retirement from professional football due to injury.

The 30-year-old signed for the Hayes Lane outfit in December following his departure from their Vanarama National League rivals Chesterfield, impressing for the Spirites' when the two club's met each other in a 1-1 draw in Derbyshire on 27 November 2018.

“The past few weeks has been the toughest of my career,” Zines said in a statement that he posted on his Twitter account.

“I had to make one of the hardest decision of my life and even now as I write this message I’m still in tears.

“But after getting medical advice and with a broken heart I’m going to retire from professional football immediately.

“Mentally and emotionally this is so difficult for me but I had a choice to make.

“I’ve been honoured and blessed to play for some historic and massive clubs in my career and I’m truly grateful.

“I want to give a special thank you to West Ham United for opening the door for me to play professional football at the highest domestic level.  You will forever be in my heart.

“I want to thank all the other clubs and supporters on my journey, you all have played a big part in my career and I’m forever grateful.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me yet but I trust that god has something great planned for me.”

Hines, who grew up in south-east London, also played for Coventry City, Burnley, AFC Bournemouth, Bradford City, Dagenham & Redbridge, Southend United and Maidstone United.

Bromley are 12th place in table with 40 points from 31 games and have 12 more points to collect from their final 15 league games to maintain their league status.

Neil Smith takes his side to eleventh-placed Barrow on Saturday, 9 February (15:00).

Manager Smith told www.bromleyfc.tv:  “I’m absolutely devastated for Zavon. When he’s played against us he’s been exceptional and he was someone I couldn’t wait to get into the club.

"To then hear the sad news was gutting. He will be a massive loss to the squad.

"Since he’s walked through the door he has committed to the squad and to me.

"I’d just like to think he has a future in the game as a coach, which I believe he has. As a club we will and as a manager and as a person I will help him through this difficult time”.

A club statement added: "Zavon has been and will continue to be around the first team environment and the club will continue to support him through this difficult process."

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