MANSFIELD Town's John Thompson has retired from professional football at the age of 31, following a two-year battle to regain full fitness.
The defender has not fully recovered from a horrific injury sustained during a pre-season friendly in 2011.
Prior to joining the Stags, Thompson enjoyed three successful years at Notts County in which he made over 100 appearances for the Magpies and collected a League Two winner's medal.
Dublin-born Thompson also made 129 league appearances for Forest and won full international honours for the Republic of Ireland. His other clubs include Tranmere Rovers and Oldham Athletic.
"I have desperately tried to get back playing to my full potential for almost two years now," said Thompson. "It has been a hugely frustrating time but I have now reached a point where I can't continue."
The defender has not fully recovered from a horrific injury sustained during a pre-season friendly in 2011.
Prior to joining the Stags, Thompson enjoyed three successful years at Notts County in which he made over 100 appearances for the Magpies and collected a League Two winner's medal.
Dublin-born Thompson also made 129 league appearances for Forest and won full international honours for the Republic of Ireland. His other clubs include Tranmere Rovers and Oldham Athletic.
"I have desperately tried to get back playing to my full potential for almost two years now," said Thompson. "It has been a hugely frustrating time but I have now reached a point where I can't continue."
