Skip to content

Swansea's Leon Britton admits he almost retired last season

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 29:  Swansea player Leon Britton in action  during the Pre Season Friendly match between Birmingham City and Swansea City at St
Image: Leon Britton is back for a 16th season with Swansea City

Swansea midfielder Leon Britton has revealed he contemplated retirement during the club's Premier League survival bid

Britton was unable to secure a first-team berth in the early months of Paul Clement's tenure at the Liberty Stadium.

But he stepped up in the closing weeks of the 2016-17 campaign and played an important role as they claimed 13 points from their last five games to retain their place in the top division.

The 34-year-old has passed the 500-game barrier with the Swans and, after his dark spell last season, has signed a new one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.

"There have been times like that [thinking about retirement], I'm not going to lie," Britton said ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener at Southampton.

"There are times when you train hard, but if you're not playing on the weekend it's difficult.

Sunderland's Nigerian striker Victor Anichebe (L) vies with Swansea City's English midfielder Leon Britton during the English Premier League football match
Image: Britton returned from injury and thoughts of retirement to help Swansea stay in the Premier League

"As much as I love training, there's no better buzz as a footballer than stepping out on the pitch and playing.

Also See:

"I've got this year with the option of another year, depending on how many games I play. So if the worst-case scenario was I didn't hit the amount of games, then we'd have to see what happens at the end of the season.

"But I still feel fit, I still feel strong."

Whatever his playing future holds, Britton knows he will be staying in south Wales as his new contract contains a guarantee of a coaching role once he calls time on his career.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Swansea manager Paul Clement says Gylfi Sigurdsson won't play against Southampton on Saturday as transfer talks with Everton continue

But Britton says his studies will have to be a slow burner as things stand, with his extended playing deal putting a hold on him starting his Pro Licence course.

"It will be easier for me to do that when I've finished [playing] and I'm coaching full-time," Britton added.

"I'm ready to go now and hopefully this year we won't have those [relegation] worries we've had in the last couple of seasons.

"In the last two years Paul has been our fourth manager. That's been unsettling and shows we've been under-performing as a squad and as a football club."

Kick-off the Premier League and only pay for the games that matter to you with a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass. One off payment, just £6.99.

Join Sky Bet Club and track your progress towards a £5 free Bet
Join Sky Bet Club and track your progress towards a £5 free Bet

Opt in and bet £25 or more before 23:59 on Sunday. Free bets credited by 7pm on Monday.

Around Sky