 Richards was forced to retire early |
Former Tottenham and Southampton defender Dean Richards has received a record �2m insurance pay-out after having to retire early through illness. Richards, 31, retired last March after doctors warned him he risked a brain haemorrhage if he continued to play.
He said: "The pleasure and fulfilment of being a professional footballer has left a huge gap, which no amount of money can compensate for.
"I appreciate it's a large sum and will secure my family's financial future."
Richards cost Spurs �8m when they signed him from Southampton and was once tipped for senior England honours.
The former Bradford star took out a policy with AON Ltd that covered him in the event of personal total disablement, arising because of accident or illness.
Richards' agent Richard Lambourne said: "Make no mistake, this is a substantial sum of money but we shouldn't forget that Dean had at least another five years left as a professional footballer.
"His earning capacity was potentially double that of his claim."
MMIX
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