England’s oldest footballer, 86 years old, hangs up his boots after 79 years playing a beautiful game

The oldest footballer BRITAIN will retire after 79 years old at 86.

Sprightly Dickie Borthwick remained on for the league side on Sunday until he was sidelined due to the pandemic.

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Grandpa then suffered a back injury and he recovered, only developing a chest infection.

He has battled that illness but now believes it will be a step too far to make a full return after a two-year break – although he will have an amicable farewell.

Dickie, who plays on the wing or as a forward, said: “I think it will probably be difficult to play again, especially in cold weather. It’s time to pack it in.

“I had a good run. I still have the feeling of wanting to go out there and kick the ball around but if you can’t do it, you won’t be able to. ”

Dickie who defeated prostate cancer Almost ten years ago, it was counted that he appeared in more than 1,600 matches and scored around 400 goals.

The last time he played for the local veterans team AFC Wyke Smugglers in December 2019, when he was 83 years old.

Retired engineer, started playing football at the age of seven while living in Scotland, adding: “I won’t do it walking football.

“I’m used to playing the full 90 minutes.

“I still want to play the game correctly.”

Dickie, in total Weymouth, Dorset, who will arrange a farewell match for the over-50s when the weather gets warmer, lower his life expectancy to give up the habit of smoking 30 a day 40 years ago, drink tea and eat a bowl of porridge before the game fight.

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