Whilst there would have been some disappointment to the news that Marcus Maddison had decided to retire earlier in the season despite being in the prime years of his career, his reasons for doing so would have been extremely difficult to argue against.
A former Championship player, Maddison had revealed that he had fallen out of love with the professional game and that “the abuse, pressure and monotony has gotten to me” after sharing an emotional post on Instagram when he made his decision public.
The attacking midfielder managed to go on to make over 250 appearances in the English Football League across multiple divisions, scoring 65 goals for the likes of Charlton Athletic, Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United and Hull City, who he was playing for in the Championship and was perhaps a favourite for those bettors who continued to look for the best football odds available at the Chinese allvideoslots website.
Having retired, it seems he is now back to playing football, albeit at a lower level where the limelight does not shine as bright and where he will be able to enjoy his football with someone he knows rather well and can have a laugh with.
Maddison has decided to sign with local amateur side, Spalding United, as he reunites with former team-mate, Gaby Zakuani who is the current manager of the Northern Premier League Division One side.
“When Gaby reached out and offered me the opportunity to get involved with what he’s trying to build at Spalding, I felt like it was something I wanted to be part of,” said Maddison.
“I look forward to getting fit and showing the gaffer what I can do.”
Zakuani, a retired defender who was capped 29 times by DR Congo and played alongside Maddison at Peterborough, explained on Twitter: “I reached out to Marcus at a time of need.
“I’ve played with him, I’ve captained him, I understand him.
“The boy just wants to enjoy his football without constant judgement, he’s a human being first of all. I’m able to provide what he needs right now. Perfect fit for Spalding United.”
Indeed, whilst there will be a disappointment that Maddison will not be performing on an English Football League pitch in the immediate future, at least he is going to get the opportunity to play the sport many of us love without thousands of fans judging every single action he takes when on the pitch.
