'The train don't stop' - Sheffield United heroes line up to pay tribute as Chris Basham confirms retirement

Chris Basham has made an emotional confirmation that he has officially retired as he continues to recover from the horror injury picked up at Fulham last year.

Basham has not played since breaking his leg at Craven Cottage in October last year and earlier this week all but announced that he would ikely call it a day, saying: ““I haven’t said it publicly but I don't think I'll be able to carry on playing elite football,” Basham admitted. “It's just a bit too far for me now, at my tender age of 36. It's an injury I didn’t foresee coming but it made my decision a lot easier than trying to keep pushing to be a footballer.”

That has now been confirmed with a post on his social media, thanking the teams he played for, including Sheffield United where he spent 10 years and made nearly 400 appearances, scoring 15 goals. One of those goals - against Leeds United which helped pave the way for promotion to the Premier League - has gone down in Blades folklore.

Basham posted on his instagram page: “This is a post that I think many knew was coming, but it has been easier to accept after the past few months as I still recover from the injury last October at Craven Cottage.

I would like to thank everyone who has made my career in the game a special one including those that taught me important lessons. The highs and lows of football since being a teenager, getting released and then having the drive, along with opportunities, and belief from another club to go again.”

He went on to thank Newcastle United, Bolton and Blackpool before moing onto to Sheffield United where he played for the majority of his career.

He added: “Sheffield United, wow, a club that I never expected to play for. A club that I quickly fell in love with and for ten years. I found the real me as a footballer here, they inspired me and pushed me as a player which brought on a whole new drive and passion for the game, giving me my best years of football. I gave everything to the club and got everything back, from the staff at the club, to the amazing fans that will forever be in my heart and most of all the successes, and the fantastic memories that came with it. Thank you!”

Some of Basham’s former Sheffield United team mates went on to pay tribute to the Blades legend.

Simon Moore: “What a man, what a career, absolute legend Bashy boy.”

David McGoldrick: “Build the statue 🚂!!! What a human.”

Kieron Freeman: “What a career bashy.”

Callum Robinson: “Congratulations bash on your amazing career. What a player and an even better team mate. All the best you legend 🚂❤️ there’s only one bashy boyyy.”

John Egan: “Unbelievable career. Top human being what a team mate. It was a pleasure to go to battle with you Piston. Congrats on a great career and all the best for the next chapter.”

Oli McBurnie: “The Bauer. What a career mate. One of the best guys I’ve ever met in football. Thankyou for everything mate it’s been some ride🎢 I know you will be successful whatever is next brother.”

Goeorge Baldock: “Congrats on an amazing career mate. Absolute pleasure to share a dressing room with you. Right side.”

Phil Jagielka: “Congrats on a great career Bash”

Tommy Doyle: “Legend of the game! All the best bash”

Billy Sharp: “Bashambauer 🚂 amazing teammate and player.”

Conor Hourihane: “Incredible career. Wishing you all the very best moving forward.”

Richard Stearman: “A great career and an incredible team mate. Basham’s arriving still gives me goosebumps”

Auston Trusty: “Legend. Congrats on an amazing career”

David Brooks: “Unbelievable man with an unbelievable career! Congratulations and the train don’t stop.”

Ben Osborne: “What a man, what a career”

Sander Berge: “Legend ❤️ What a man!”