'I was going to retire' - Bradford City's Nick Powell makes earnest admission after EFL Trophy brace
Bradford City’s Nick Powell has made an earnest admission following his strong start to the season
Bradford City playmaker Nick Powell has revealed he initially planned to hang up his boots in January.
The 32-year-old was out of the picture in West Yorkshire due to injury and it was not until the League One run-in that he returned to action.
That involvement appears to have buoyed Powell, as he agreed fresh terms in the summer and has made an impressive start to the current campaign.
Nick Powell’s earnest admission
After firing the Bantams to a 2-1 win over Newcastle United Under-21s in the EFL Trophy last night (September 22), he told BBC Sport West Yorkshire: “I was going to retire in January. It was a dark time for me. I couldn't see a future here and it was one of them where I didn't really want to carry on.
“The fact that I knuckled down, got back in last season and then did a whole pre-season and arned a contract and had the praise from everyone....I've fully enjoyed it and now I want more years moving up.
“I think the good thing for me is I can adapt to anything on the football pitch. The problem is being on the football pitch. The fact that I'm on it a lot more this season, I'm really happy. My aim is the 50 games. We're obviously going to play 55 minimum or 54 minimum.
“If I can play a part in every single one of them, even tonight, I was not bothered it was an under-21s team. I wanted to play because I want to play every single match. Whatever I can do in that short time, I want to be in every game.”
Nick Powell’s career reflection
Powell is a product of the Crewe Alexandra academy and his ‘wonderkid’ status landed him a high-profile move to Manchester United in 2012.
He never became the established Premier League figure he was tipped to he and has spoken candidly about the mistakes he made earlier in his career.
Powell said: “I am what I am because of what I didn't do. - but you can't talk like that. Listen, I'm enjoying every second of it. If I finish at 33, if I finish at 35, it is what it is.
“My perspective changed a long time ago. I enjoy every second I play.”