From the Brum Mail, a few weeks ago:
Forgotten man Darius Vassell has revealed his plans for a possible return to football as he looks to finally put his injury hell behind him.
The ex- Villa and England striker hasn’t played a competitive match since rupturing his cruciate ligament during his last spell in the game at Leicester City in 2012.
It’s been a frustrating period for the Sutton Coldfield -born ace, who turns 34 in June, but the hope of securing a move in the future has helped to keep him motivated.
Vassell is unlikely to sign for an English club, though, after admitting that his time in his homeland is almost certainly over.
“I think maybe next summer I will look at moving abroad to a team,” he told the Birmingham Mail.
“I think I have done what I need to do over here in England.
“In a hotter climate it won’t affect my joints and bones too much.
“I got injured at Leicester and I have been out of football since the injury.
“I have been contemplating what to do in regards to retirement because I feel like I have been playing for a while now and my knees do hurt every now and then.
“But I don’t have to make a decision just yet.”
Vassell’s spell on the sidelines have had some benefits.
As well as spending more time with his family and friends, the 22-capped ex-Three Lions forward has considerably improved his golf.
“I have had a long rest - I’ve been out for a season and a half,” he added.
“I’ve just been trying to get my handicap down and spend a bit of time with the missus.
“I’m playing off 14 now and it’s getting better!”
Vassell was speaking ahead of a busy day with the Roadshow to Rio.
