Ex-Villa youngster Myles Sohna has had to call time on his football career (Image: Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)

Former Aston Villa player retires at 22 after three separate knee surgeries

by · Birmingham Live

Former Aston Villa starlet Myles Sohna has been forced to retire from football at the age of 22 after undergoing three separate knee surgeries.

Described as a ‘ball-playing defender’ on Villa’s club website, Sohna rose through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath to earn a professional contract and represent the club’s under-21 side. But injuries halted his progress and having left Villa at the end of his contract in 2023, Sohna has now announced his retirement.

Posting on Instagram, Sohna said: “It is with mixed emotions that due to injury, I have decided to retire from professional football. This has truly been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but after months of carful consideration and consulting with a specialist, it has become clear that this is the best decision for my long-term health.

“The past three seasons have been the hardest in my career, both mentally and physically. After rupturing my anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees in back to back seasons and working incredibly hard to get back from them both. Unfortunately over a year ago I sustained a separate serious knee injury, which required a third operation.

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“Going into the operation, I knew there was a chance the injury could potentially be career ending but I never imagined this would become my reality. Despite doing everything in my power to get back fit, I still experience significant pain and swelling every time I perform any high impact activity.

“As a result of this, I have been advised that continuing my career would severely affect not only my ability to play but most importantly, my quality of life in the future and given this, my health must come first.

"I want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout my footballing career and also my past teammates and staff at Aston Villa FC for making my 12 years there so special. I made memories there that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

"I trust that this is Allah's plan for me and I believe that he is the best of all planners. I now look forwards to beginning this new chapter in my life."

Aston Villa archives

With it being international break. We have delved into the archives to bring you some great stories from years past to help pass the time until the football returns