After battling on as best he could, Hull City's Ryan Mason was forced into early retirement this week.
Having fallen victim to a fractured skull following a collision with Chelsea's Gary Cahill in January 2017, Mason has subsequently been left with "no option" but to retire for the good of his health.
Only 26-years-old, Mason's departure gave cause to widespread sympathy from a number of his fellow professionals.
I’m so proud to have come through the system and played at the highest level with you @RyanMason. Your career was ended too early but it’s just the beginning of a new chapter! See you soon 💙 pic.twitter.com/m5x6bQJpAR
— Harry Kane (@HKane) February 14, 2018
Yesterday was a sad day for one incredible young man .@RyanMason . Although his story didn’t finish with ultimate happy ending , his determination , attitude and bravery he’s shown during his recovery is something to be admired and an inspiration for others ! All the best Ryan pic.twitter.com/cXASAimV5r
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) February 14, 2018
Gutted for you @RyanMason all the best for whatever you do next mate, great guy and top player. Keep smiling buddy 😘👍
— Robert snodgrass (@robsnodgrass7) February 13, 2018
Best wishes @RyanMason! Good luck for the future, it was a pleasure to play along side you! pic.twitter.com/PvoD4YDNyI
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) February 13, 2018
@RyanMason a pleasure to have played with you mate. I know you will be a big success in whatever you choose to do next 💙
— Kieran Trippier (@trippier2) February 14, 2018
When Tottenham Hotspur undertook their FA Cup 5th round tie this evening away to Rochdale, the fans of the club Mason came through as an academy graduate were equally adamant in demonstrating that he would be in their hearts and minds; singing Mason's name aloud often.
During a game that Spurs will look back upon as one that should have been put away, a 2-1 lead with only a few minutes left was squandered and Spurs must now play out a second FA Cup replay against lower-league opposition.
For Danny Rose, a player who would have spent a number of years as Mason's teammate, he did find adequate time to make it known that he was thinking of Mason also.
After Harry Kane had dispatched a penalty that looked to have put Spurs through, Rose went full Steven Gerrard with the sideline camera.
Class from Danny Rose #RyanMason pic.twitter.com/YVZaxret5F
— The Fighting Cock (@LoveTheShirt) February 18, 2018
It was warmly received by the man who mattered most.
Rosey 💙💙
— Ryan Mason (@RyanMason) February 18, 2018
He wasn't the only one to approve of Rose's gesture.
Absolutely adore that from Danny Rose.
— Rhys James (@rhysjamesy) February 18, 2018
Moment of the round from Danny Rose. That’s the good way to shout into the tv camera.
— Seb Stafford-Bloor (@SebSB) February 18, 2018
Nice touch Danny Rose shouting out to @RyanMason after the goal....
— Brighty (@Mark__Bright) February 18, 2018
