West Ham United striker Dean Ashton is expected to formally announce his retirement from professional football this week. Ashton, 25, has been unable to play for the seniors team in over a year, due to a severe and worsening ankle injury he picked up while training for England in 2006. The injury could leave him unable to walk if he continues to attempt to play football, experts say.
The forward was singled out to be a great contributor at the Boleyn Ground, and high hopes were pinned on him for a stellar England career by manager Fabio Capello. But fitness has eluded him and after his ankle broke on a tackle from Shaun-Wright Phillips during training, goals of long-term play for England have been well beyond his grasp.
West Ham will likely pursue financial compensation against insurance or other available avenues to the tune of £7 million. Reports state that Ashton himself could recuperate money by taking action against the FA or against Wright-Phillips.
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