Retiring West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has revealed he will never be able to run again.

The former England international announced his retirement yesterday after a long battle to overcome an ankle injury.

Ashton, 26, told The Sun: "It's a rubbish situation. I just want to be able to walk properly and, at the moment, I cannot.

"My health is obviously more important than football. I was told if I kept trying to play football, I might never walk again.

"I am going to hospital on Tuesday for a fifth operation.

"It's unlikely I will ever be able to jog again but right now, I can't walk properly.

"My left ankle is still very sore. It will be a while before I feel OK and get over this disappointment.

"There is a bit of bitterness and I think 'Why me?'. It's a sad part of football."