Marcus Maddison launches fund raiser for career saving surgery

Former Sunderland target Marcus Maddison has launched a fund raiser in an attempt to get his career back on track.

The former Peterborough United winger, who started out his senior career at Gateshead FC, called time on his playing career last year after claiming the football industry "broke" him.

Maddison was one of the most talented players in the EFL and was often touted for a move to the Black Cats and the Premier League.

The 28-year-old, originally from Durham, signed for Spalding United earlier this year but has since spoken of his desire to return to the EFL.

Maddison claims that the cost of the surgery is £3,000 and that without it he will be unable to run again, never mind play football.

On his Instagram page Maddison said: “Hi guys this post is reaching out which is hard for me to do but I have nowhere else to turn. After a year out sorting myself out mentally this operation on my knee is my last hurdle, without it I will never run again never mind play football.

“To those who don’t know me or my journey, My name is Marcus Maddison, I am 28 years old and was a professional football player until last year when my mental health took hold of me. I couldn’t see any way out of the depression that had engulfed me.

"I took a step back from my football and the career I loved! I have worked extremely hard to get my mental state in a much better place.

“I’m now ready to do what I do best and love the most: playing football! However, I have an obstacle standing in my way. I have a tear in my meniscus, which is massively holding me back, I have had a medical assessment already, and I need an operation. This, however, doesn’t come without a price and a cost that is out of my reach due to suffering from depression and