JAVIER Artero, the Dundee FC player, yesterday praised the support he had received from throughout Scottish football as he confirmed he was retiring after being struck down with multiple sclerosis.
In an emotional press conference at Dens Park, the 27-year-old Spaniard talked warmly of the good wishes he had received from across Scotland.
Artero made it clear he was fit enough to live an active life, but found it difficult to find the level of fitness required to be a top class footballer.
He praised Dundee for pledging to arrange a benefit game for him and keeping him on staff as an international scout.
''I didn't decide to quit suddenly one day, the decision was taken over a couple of months,'' said Artero, who was first diagnosed with MS after becoming ill just over a year ago.
''The problem is with tiredness. I'm perfect for normal life, but I can't get to the high level needed to play football. I was always suffering with fatigue and eventually decided it wasn't worth it.
''I tried to come back, but in the end it wasn't fair to me, my team-mates or my manager. I'm very sad but I think it is the right
decision.''
During his 30 months at Dens Park, the former Real Madrid and San Lorenzo player made 75 appearances and scored four goals.
Artero said: ''Everyone in Dundee has been great to me, the chairman, manager and supporters of the club. Even Dundee United chairman Jim McLean came to visit me when I was in hospital. This is my home and the people have been great to me and I thank them for everything.''
He will take inspiration from Brian Irvine, the former Aberdeen and Dundee player who was diagnosed with MS seven years ago and continues to play football with Ross County. Irvine has been a regular visitor to Artero over the past year and they have become close friends.
Other high-profile MS sufferers include Michael Crichton, writer of ER and Jurassic Park; and Alastair Hignell, the former England rugby internationalist.
Jim Duffy, the Dundee coach, said: ''Hanging up your boots is an unbelievably difficult decision to make for a footballer. Obviously for Javier and his wife, the most important thing is his health.''
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: THE BASIC FACTS
The disease
Multiple sclerosis is an incurable disease of the nervous system. It affects the lining of nerves in the brain and spinal cord, and is diagnosed by means of an MRI scan.
Victims
2.5 million people are affected worldwide, about 85,000 of them in the UK. Each week about 50 people - usually aged between 20 and 40 - are diagnosed with the condition. Scotland has one of the highest rates in the world.
Cause
The cause is as yet unknown. It is believed to have genetic and environmental factors and could be triggered by a virus.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from slow speech, blurred vision, and pain, sometimes with pins and needles to limb numbness.
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