Countless shoulder dislocations and being away from home for the best part of two years have led to stalwart Phoenix defender Louis Fenton calling time on his professional football career.
After nine seasons with A-League club the 29-yer-old Fenton has more than 150 games for the Phoenix – with only Andrew Durante, Vince Lia, Manny Muscat and Ben Sigmund having played more.
But being forced to live in Australia for the best part of two years took its toll on Fenton mentally.
“It’s been on my mind the last two years,” Fenton said.
“Being away from my family and my partner has made me think about life after football.
“I’ve found the last two years mentally draining but I’m excited for what’s next.”
Louis Fenton.
Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory, A-League football. Eden Park, Auckland. New Zealand. Sunday 30 May 2021. © Copyright Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Fenton is moving to Brisbane to finish his degree in property development and do some work experience in the city before returning home to Wellington, where he runs a barbershop with his brother.
“Maybe 29 is young to be retiring but I feel like in my career I’ve been through a lot. A lot of injuries and a lot of ups and downs.
“I feel like I’m going out at a great time while my body’s in decent condition.”
He doesn’t wonder what might have been if it wasn’t for all of the injuries he suffered.
“Injuries are part of the story. They’ve made me tougher mentally and it’s all part of the experience. You have a lot of lows but that makes the highs even better.”
As a born and bred Wellingtonian, Fenton’s family were Phoenix season ticket holders when he was a kid.
“Getting to play professional football was my dream. I grew up supporting the club and the club’s become such a big part of my life and part of the person I am now.
“Probably the highlights are playing in front of friends and family and the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve been lucky enough to make friends for life. I know that’s cliché but it’s true.
He now wants to be a Phoenix fan again.
“At the moment I’ve got no interest in playing at any level. I’ve given all of my boots away so I’m not playing again anytime soon.
“I don’t want to get involved in coaching or anything. I just want to support the club.”
Coach Ufuk Talay has prasied Fenton’s impact at the club.
“I love Louis because first and foremost he’s a top, top person,” Talay said. “He’s a great character and I always know what I’m going to get from Louis. He’ll always run through a brick wall for the team.
“That’s something that coaches love to have. A player that’s willing to give everything for the team to get the outcome that they need. That’s at times sacrificing your body and that’s the person Louis is.”
Talay says Fenton is going to be hard to replace as he leads by example.
“He shows that whatever challenge you face you can push through. As long as your mentality is strong you can do anything.”
-RNZ
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