Robbo's poignant farewell

Former Charlton midfielder John Robinson has given a poignant farewell to football in a long interview with The Independent. The former Welsh player of the year has not given up on the game he loves, but he feels it gave up on him.

The interview reveals that his family gave up on a prosperous life in South Africa so that Robbo would have to chance to develop his football talent in England. The death of his father two-and-a-half years ago was clearly a blow and his mother has been unwell.

Robbo explains, 'I haven't fallen out of love with football, it's the politics of football and becoming a commodity I don't like.' He added, 'I was probably shielded from the real world at Charlton. There you were give the chance to be the best footballer possible and not worry about anything else.'

We all have our special memories of Robbo. There was the goal at The Valley against Manchester United. My own favourite memory was a super goal he scored from distance at Huddersfield one Christmas time when they were a big side. It was a turning point in the season that led to our first promotion to the Premiership. We will also remember Robbo arguing with linos, but also giving them the thumbs up when they made the right call.

Robbo is now going to concentrate on his family, a property business and his soccer school. He will always be welcome at The Valley or anywhere in the world where Charlton fans can be found.

The full story is at:

Robbo