Chelsea’s FA Cup match takes on new meaning after Ryan Mason retires
By Travis Tyler
A year on from fracturing his skull against Chelsea, Ryan Mason has retired. Chelsea face his old team, Hull City, in a match that takes on new meaning.
On 22 January, 2017, Chelsea played Hull City in the Premier League. During the match, a collision of heads between Hull midfielder Ryan Mason and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill resulted in a fractured skull for Mason. A year later, Mason has announced his retirement.
Mason’s announcement comes the week leading up to the two clubs meeting again for the first time since the incident. An FA Cup tie always has meaning, but now it takes on an entirely new one.
For Mason, it will be a return to the ground where his career effectively ended. A return to the ground where his parents hold season tickets and where he likely cheered on the Blues a time or two. He will see Chelsea face Hull, the team that gave him a chance when his Tottenham Hotspur career stalled.
Regardless of who wins, Mason will be a winner with them. It is an incredibly difficult decision to end one’s career so young. But he made the right decision. Life is short and it is simply not worth risking it.
Likely to captain the Blues will be the player who accidently caused the skull fracture: Gary Cahill.
Devastated to hear today’s news from Ryan. Competing for a corner is something we’ve done thousands of times and to see those consequences for a top professional like Ryan is heartbreaking. Sending all my love to him and his family, and wishing him the best for the future.
— Gary Cahill (@GaryJCahill) February 13, 2018
Cahill visited Mason in the hospital back when the incident happened. Though it is not Cahill’s fault, it would not be surprising to know that he is troubled by it.
Antonio Conte has not spoken to Cahill about the event, but backs him to be able to play. Having broken his leg at the hands of a teammate himself, Conte understands that luck can play its role in events.
Former Chelsea player Petr Cech has found a lesson to take from the entire event.
Yesterday was a sad day for one incredible young man .@RyanMason . Although his story didn’t finish with ultimate happy ending , his determination , attitude and bravery he’s shown during his recovery is something to be admired and an inspiration for others ! All the best Ryan pic.twitter.com/cXASAimV5r
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) February 14, 2018
That is the message both the Chelsea and Hull players should take when they walk out for the FA Cup. Not to be sad that a career has ended but to take inspiration from Mason. He fought hard to return. Though it was not meant to be, life continues. The game continues.
Both teams should play to the best of their ability. For Mason. For themselves. They must give their all in a game that can be over too quickly.
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Regardless of who wins, the players must do this for Mason.