Millwall: Duncan Watmore issues retirement revelation ahead of Sunderland AFC reunion | OneFootball

Duncan Watmore is set to face his former club with Millwall this weekend

Millwall forward Duncan Watmore has revealed he considered retiring from football after his departure from Sunderland four-and-a-half years ago.

The 30-year-old spent seven years at the Stadium of Light, arriving on Wearside from non-league Altrincham in 2013 before departing at the end of his contract in 2020.

He is once again coming to the end of his current deal, now at Millwall, where he has been since January 2023.

Watmore has cemented himself in a prominent role in Neil Harris’ side, featuring in 13 of the South Bermondsey side's opening 15 Championship fixtures.

The Lions are now preparing to host Watmore's former club this weekend, with both sides looking to challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season, but his career could've gone an entirely different route if the winger followed through on his thoughts over hanging up his boots at an early age.

Duncan Watmore makes Sunderland AFC retirement admission

Watmore has revealed that he almost retired from football when he departed Sunderland in 2020 due to the persistent injury issues he had suffered.

However, he has claimed he’s now enjoying life at Millwall, and that he’s not so concerned about his contract situation at the moment as it is out of his hands.

“I’m really enjoying it and I really like it here,” Watmore told London News Online.

“None of that (the scheduling of talks) is to do with me.

“I don’t have a say with any of that stuff.

“Who knows what will happen? I know the nature of football and things change very quickly.

“You learn to live with uncertainty.

“I’m always aware of that but, from my perspective, I love Millwall and all the lads and staff.

“I’m really enjoying it.

“It’s a better scenario than when I left Sunderland with all my injuries.

“I had six months without a club - I got close to retirement with all my injuries.

“I have always seen anything after that as a bit of a bonus.

“I’m glad I’m still playing and having a career in the game.

“I never get too down about it. I just enjoy now and I am grateful for now.”

Duncan Watmore may now be peaking at Millwall after putting injury issues to bed

Watmore has done very well for himself since his departure from Sunderland, given he almost hung up his boots for good after his release.

While he never cemented himself as a really key player at Middlesbrough, his next club after leaving the Black Cats, he has grown in importance since joining Millwall, with the Lions improving leaps and bounds under Neil Harris.

The Lions are on an exciting upwards trajectory, and Watmore’s performances are a part of that rise up the Championship table.

If he can keep contributing important goals, then surely the Lions will be looking to sign him up for at least another year very soon - there may be thoughts from within that Watmore's past injury issues mean it's a risk, but an issue could crop up at any time.