Former Aston Villa defender Nathan Baker announces retirement from football

Former Aston Villa defender Nathan Baker has announced his retirement from football on medical grounds.

The 31-year-old came through the academy at Villa Park and made his debut for the first team in their 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic on January 25, 2011.

He spent three loan spells on loan from Villa with his first coming during the 2009-10 season with Lincoln City, where he made 18 appearances in League Two for the Imps.

Baker then had a brief spell with Millwall in 2011, joining the club on a one-month loan, before his final temporary spell away from Villa Park came with Bristol City during the 2015-16 campaign.

The defender left Villa for the Robins on a permanent deal in 2017 after featuring 123 times in all competitions for the West Midlands club.

He suffered a head injury and was stretchered off during Bristol’s 2-0 loss to Sheffield United in November 2021 and has not featured since.

Baker, via the Robins’ official site, said the following on his retirement: “Football has been a massive part of my life from a very young age, so this has not been the easiest decision for me, however I must take the advice from the medical team and consultants.

“It’s sad to think I won’t be playing football again, there are so many things I am going to miss, such as my teammates, the friendships made, plus a good tackle! But I must put my health and family first, it’s not worth the risk.

“I’d like to thank all the staff at Bristol City for doing all they can to help me through this tough time. And I’d like to thank the fans who have supported me throughout my career at Bristol City and Aston Villa. I’m so grateful and lucky to have had the opportunity to play for such great clubs and even represent my country. There are so many memories that will always stay with me.”

The 31-year-old hangs up his boots having made 295 senior appearances for four clubs, scoring five goals and assisting his teammates on six occasions.

Villa have taken to Twitter to send their best wishes to Baker following his announcement. They tweeted: “Everyone at Aston Villa is wishing the best to our former defender Nathan Baker, who has today retired from football on medical grounds.”

The defender also represented England at Under-19, U20 and U21 level, earning a combined 17 caps for the young Lions.