Former Sheffield United captain Chris Basham has officially announced his retirement from football after suffering a horrific ankle fracture against Fulham in October.

Basham had been with the Blades for more than a decade before suffering the serious injury at Craven Cottage and was out of contract at the club in the summer. The

36-year-old centre-back, who is still recovering from an injury, said: “It’s a post I think a lot of people knew was coming but it seems a little too soon after the many months I’ve been out of action recovering from. “

Chris Basham, the Sheffield United legend, has edged a step closer to his retirement after admitting he will not be able to carry on playing elite football after the horror injury that led to his Blades exit. The defender spent 10 years at Bramall Lane before leaving at the end of last season, after suffering a terrible injury away at Fulham.

Basham was allowed to keep using United’s facilities for his rehabilitation and had initially privately considered prolonging his career once he had returned to something approaching full fitness. There have been various hints along the way that the 36-year-old had reached the end of his playing days, but he dropped the strongest hint so far that he is looking to the future in a weekend appearance on ยูฟ่าเบท Sports.

I’d like to thank everyone who has made this part of my career special and those who have taught me important lessons.

“I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and doing my best to recover.”