Stuart Dallas: I had no idea so many people liked me and hope my journey can inspire the next generation
Northern Ireland and Leeds hero Stuart Dallas recently announced his retirement
Stuart Dallas has admitted that he was stunned by the reaction to his retirement and the vast number of goodwill messages from around the game, revealing that he had no idea so many people liked him.
The former Northern Ireland and Leeds hero also pointed out that he hopes his journey from Coagh United and Crusaders to becoming a Premier League star and respected international can inspire young footballers in his home country.
Dallas was speaking after helping conduct the draw alongside Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill for the European Under-19 Championship Finals which pitted Gareth McAuley’s hosts against Italy, Norway and Ukraine in their group.
Last week 32-year-old Dallas called time on his professional career after being unable to recover from a serious injury in April 2022.
It was a crushing blow to the Cookstown man and it was felt across the footballing world with tributes to Dallas pouring in from team-mates, opposition players, ex-managers and fans.
“I said to my wife (Juneve) the other day I didn’t realise as many people liked me or that I had made an impact on as many people and I genuinely mean that,” said Dallas.
“Certainly over the last week the messages that I’ve had since I announced my retirement have been unbelievable and I’m very grateful for them all.”
Asked if his rise from the Irish League to Premier League can act as an inspiration, he said: “I hope it can. It’s something I never really thought about when I was playing.
“Now that I’ve finished when I look at my journey I hope it can inspire people like kids who don’t get a chance at a younger age and have to wait that bit longer and use the Irish League as a stepping stone. Hopefully people can look at my journey to never give up.”
