Messages of support after Stephen Darby - husband of ex-Sunderland ace Steph Houghton - retires following motor neurone disease diagnosis

The right-back, who began his career at his hometown club Liverpool, received the diagnosis from a specialist recently.

He joined Bolton in the summer of 2017 but has not played since December.

The Professional Footballers' Association has vowed to support Darby, husband of Manchester City defender and England captain Steph Houghton, who is from South Hetton.

Darby and Houghton, 30, were married in June and the couple have received hundreds of messages of support on social media.

"It is with great sadness that I announce my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease," said Darby in a statement released by the club.

"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."

While at Liverpool, Darby had loan spells with Swindon, Notts County and Rochdale before joining Bradford, where he spent two seasons as club captain under current Bolton boss Parkinson.

"This is heartbreaking news for Stephen and his family," said Parkinson. "He is an outstanding professional and a fantastic person.

"The Bolton Wanderers fans didn't see the best of him due to limited first team opportunities, but I can assure everyone that he made a significant contribution in last year's survival."

The PFA's Matthew Buck said: "As a footballer Stephen has been the epitome of a true professional. Since I first met him and began representing him at the age of 17 he has dedicated himself to the sport and has had a successful career, whilst experiencing the highs and lows of the game.

"He has become a good friend over the years and knowing Stephen throughout his football career I am sure he will face the future with the same determination and resolve he showed throughout his football career.

"I have seen first hand how difficult the last few weeks have been for Stephen, Steph and his family but he has conducted himself with a tremendous amount of dignity and bravery.

"Stephen has been a credit to his profession and myself and the PFA will continue to support Stephen in his battle ahead against Motor Neurone Disease."

Buck later confirmed to Press Association Sport that former Sunderland defender Houghton plans to continue playing following Darby's diagnosis.

Darby's former clubs expressed their sympathy, with a message on Liverpool's Twitter feed reading: "Liverpool Football Club are saddened by the news of Stephen Darby's retirement after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Stephen and his family at this time."

Darby made 236 appearances for Bradford between 2012 and 2017, and chairman Edin Rahic said on the club's website: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen and his family at this difficult time.

"The news is absolutely heartbreaking. Stephen was a massive part of the club's recent history and his contributions will stay with us forever.

"We will do whatever we can to assist Stephen and his wife, Steph, and are now looking at ways in which we can do so."

Motor neurone disease is a degenerative condition affecting the brain and nerves. There is currently no cure and it can significantly shorten life expectancy.