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West Ham striker Dean Ashton retires because of injury

West Ham and England striker Dean Ashton has announced his retirement at the age of 26 after failing to recover from a long-term ankle injury.

Ashton broke his left ankle while training with England in August 2006, ahead of a friendly with Greece.

He underwent several operations but was unable to return to full fitness and has followed medical advice to retire.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club's website: "This is a sad day and our thoughts are with Dean."

Ashton scored 19 goals in 56 appearances for the Hammers after joining them from Norwich in a £7.25m move in January 2006.

The former Crewe striker earned an England call-up for the friendly with Greece in August 2006, but he broke his ankle in training for that game and missed the whole of the 2006-07 season.

He returned to play 35 games in 2007-08 and made his England debut under Fabio Capello in June 2008 when he faced Trinidad & Tobago – his only appearance for the national side.

Ashton signed a new five-year contract at Upton Park that summer but sprained his ankle in training September 2008 and did not play competitively again.

He made several attempts to return but concerns that continuing his career would affect his mobility later in life led him to decide to end his playing career.

Duxbury added: "I would like to place on record our thanks to him for all his efforts and wish him the very best.

"I would also like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding during what has been a difficult time."

Former West Ham boss Harry Redknapp, who is now at Tottenham, told BBC Radio 5 live: "He was a good player, a terrific striker.

"He was in the England squad and looked like he was going to play in the forthcoming game when he picked up that injury. I wish him all the best in the future.

"It's really sad to see a young guy retire so early. He was a very good player."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger once contemplated signing the powerful striker when he was at Crewe.

"It is very said that Dean Ashton has to retire because I always thought he was a very intelligent and efficient player," said the Frenchman.