Sam McQueen makes 'incredibly tough decision' to retire

The Saints defender had not played a competitive fixture since October 2018, during a loan spell at Middlesbrough, where he suffered a serious knee problem.

Having ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament, screws inserted during surgery to help repair the problem became infected, providing a huge setback to the former England under-21 international.

And McQueen has confirmed his time as a player in the professional game has come to an end.

He told the Saints website: “This has been such an incredibly tough decision to make, as I so desperately want to play football again, but I have to do what is right for me and for my family.

“The amount of time I’ve had not on my feet and not running has caused my body to de-condition to such a level that now when I try to join in any parts of training I continually get muscle tears in certain areas and my knee’s not able to cope, so I was advised I wouldn’t be able to play football for much longer if I did manage to get back fit.”

Most expected the Saints academy graduate to be among the list of players released by the club last summer upon the expiry of his contract, but his name was not included.

Instead, he was handed a new short-term deal which allowed him to continue training at the club.

He was even listed in the club's Premier League squad list for the first half of the season.

McQueen added: “The club have been fantastic and the support I have had around me has been amazing.

“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my time at the club, and that has been nice. It’s made me realise how much a part of my life this club is and how much it means to me.

“It’s been like a father figure in a way. It’s given me guidance, it’s given me things to try to achieve, and it’s pushed me and encouraged me.”

Born in Southampton, McQueen signed for Saints’ academy at the age of eight.

He went on to make 29 appearances at senior level for the south coast side, including three in the Europa League.

“I’m very proud of the things that I have achieved here,” he added.

“I’m sad that there wasn’t more, but later in life I’ll be able to look back on the memories I have, of playing against Inter Milan, being around a Premier League team and travelling with the squad and the passion of the fans at the games.

“Now I’m going to try to make the most of the rest of the life that I’ve got. The world’s my oyster. I can do anything I want really, and I’m excited about that.

“I’m sad that football might end, but the options out there in the world I’m starting to open my mind up to and looking forward to it, just trying to cherish it with my family, partner and children.”