Former Liverpool defender Stephen Darby has been forced into retirement after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The 29-year-old, who was playing at Bolton and married England women's captain Steph Houghton in June, said it was "with great sadness" that he was hanging up his boots.

He said in a statement: "I would like to take the opportunity to thank my teammates, Phil Parkinson and all the staff at Bolton Wanderers Football Club for their amazing support at what has been an extremely difficult period for myself and my family.

"I would like to ask for privacy at this time so I can adjust to the battle I have ahead and so that I can spend time with those closest to me."