Former Charlton Athletic player Marcus Maddison launches appeal to help fund knee surgery

Former Charlton Athletic midfielder Marcus Maddison has reached out to appeal for help to fund a knee operation that he needs to start playing football again.

The 28-year-old scored one goal in eight appearances for the Addicks before moving to Bolton Wanderers on loan in January 2021.

In April 2021, Maddison announced on Instagram that he would be ending his football career stating the “abuse, pressure and monotony has just got to me”.

The former Peterborough player joined Spalding United, in the eighth tier of English football, at the start of July.

He suffered a potential serious injury and has  set up a GoFundMe page.

Maddison said: “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 being unable to work for the past year.

“Your support already through those times has been greatly appreciated, and there is no way I could ever thank you enough. Although I am here asking if there is any way you can find it in yourself to help me with my journey to getting back to the pitch. This will give me the operation/aftercare and support I need to get back to doing what I love.

“I know this isn’t your usual thing to see on here. However, I don’t know where else to turn.

“Thank you for your care and support always.”