Recurring injuries have forced Dublin's eight-time All-Ireland football winning defender Cian O'Sullivan into retirement from the game.

The Kilmacud Crokes clubman, who was a missing figure in the Dubs' march to an historic six-in-a-row of Sam Maguire Cups last winter, struggled all season to get back to full fitness and has not played for the county since last October's Allianz League match against Meath.

O'Sullivan is part of an elite group of players who have won eight All-Ireland football medals, alongside fellow Dubliners Stephen Cluxton, James McCarthy, Michael Fitzsimons, Kevin McManamon, Michael Darragh Macauley and Philly McMahon.

He also won ten Leinster SFC titles, five Allianz League medals and three All-Stars during a glittering inter-county career.

For Crokes, he claimed three Dublin SFC titles, two Leinster SFC titles as well as an All-Ireland crown in 2009.

💙 pic.twitter.com/6KKSKuExOY

— Cian O'Sullivan (@CianOSull88) June 27, 2021

The 33-year-old confirmed his decision on Twitter this afternoon. 

O'Sullivan said: Regrettably, and despite best efforts to address a number of recurring injuries, it's time to draw a close on my footballing days."

"The competitive demands have taken their toll and while my heart would love dearly to continue on, my body simply can't."

He continued: "I am honoured and privileged to have represented my club and county and to have enjoyed success beyond my wildest boyhood dreams."

"I'm especially proud to have been part of such a special Dublin team that's been like a second family to me in these years.

"This will be a void that will be difficult to fill.

"There are too many people to thank and I hope to thank you all personally in time."

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