'Something I’ve had to come to terms with' - Former Portsmouth and Sunderland defender forced to retire at 28
Denver Hume made 31 appearances for Pompey after moving from Sunderland for £200,000 in January 2022
Former Pompey defender Denver Hume has been forced to call time on his playing career at the age of 28.
The left-sided wing-back has admitted he’s had to walk away from the game after suffering a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain last season.
A £200,000 Fratton Park arrival from Sunderland in January 2024, Hume suffered the horrific injury while training with Fleetwood Town in November 2025.
In an emotional statement published on instagram on Monday, the former Blues player admitted all efforts were made to find a way back onto the pitch and prolong his playing days, which included 190 senior appearances, for the Black Cats, Pompey, Grimsby and the Cod Army.
However, following medical advice, Hume revealed he has been forced to announce his retirement.
He wrote: ‘I never thought I’d be writing this at the age of 28, but following specialist medical advice, my career as a professional footballer has come to an end.
‘After suffering a fractured skull and bleed on the brain last season, I’ve spent the months since trying to process this and find a way back to doing what I love the most. Unfortunately that isn’t going to be possible and is something I’ve had to come to terms with.’
Hume spent two years at Pompey. However, Blues fans never saw the best of him as injuries and selection issues restricted him to just 31 appearances in all competitions.
Despite his PO4 difficulties, Hume said he wouldn’t change anything about his career journey.
‘Football has given me some unbelievable memories, representing Sunderland, Portsmouth, Grimsby and Fleetwood along the way,’ he added.
‘Each club giving me a different experience, sharing dressing rooms with some brilliant people and making real friends for life.
‘There have certainly been some difficult periods and a lot of dark days. Injuries, 5 different operations, injections and plenty of moments where I’ve had to pick myself up and go again. But I wouldn’t change my journey as that’s what’s shaped me into the person I am today and given me a different perspective of life.
‘A special mention to Grimsby Town, a club that helped me fall back in love with football again at a time when I really needed it.
‘To every coach, staff member, teammate and supporter who’s been part of my journey - thank you.
‘And most importantly, to my family, girlfriend and those closest to me. Thank you for every sacrifice, piece of advice, and being there through the highest and lowest moments. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.
‘Football has been a huge part of who I am and all I’ve known, but I’m excited to discover what life looks like beyond being a footballer.
‘I’m incredibly grateful and proud of the journey I’ve had in the game, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next chapter brings. Thank you.’
For your next Pompey read: Portsmouth boss on why 'unique' Brentford loanee is already making huge strides with Blueshttps://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/portsmouth-fc-arthur-brentford-mousinho-lincoln-8936476