Lewis Hardcastle says his health is worth than football after announcing his retirement at 22 on medical advice.

The decision comes just a month after the former Rovers youngster last played for League Two side Barrow AFC.

Then the 22-year-old became ill in the game at Salford City, with investigations uncovering an issue with his heart. Hardcastle has been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) which has forced him to call time on his career after 69 appearances for the Bluebirds.

“As some of you may know already, I have been diagnosed with a genetic heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) which has been brought on early due to a high level of exercise,” Hardcastle wrote in an emotional post on social media.

“For a while I was feeling faint at training and this also happened while driving. I went for many investigations and had a say at a specialist heart hospital in Liverpool for a few days on a heart monitor.

“I was started on medications to regulate my heart, however, sadly this was not enough as my heart rate was reaching dangerous levels.

“My doctor broke the news no footballer or young athlete should ever hear, he told me my case was so severe that I needed an ICD implanted into my heart to save my life.

“He advised that it would be unsafe to play football again due to the risk of me having a cardiac arrest.

“My life is worth than football and I could not put my family through the worry of watching me knowing that something could happen.”

Hardcastle captained Rovers Under-23s to the Premier League 2 Division Two title under Damien Johnson in 2017/18, playing 64 times for the Academy side during his time at the club. He spent time with Port Vale on loan before a move to Barrow in February 2019, helping the club to the National League title, captaining the club for a spell.

As for what the future holds, he hopes to remain involved in the game, but wants his case to be a warning to others.

“From a young age I wanted to be a professional footballer and for five years I achieved that,” he added.

“Sadly, there was nothing I could have done to avoid the progression of my condition, I just feel that I have been unlucky.

“However, on the brighter side I have been lucky to develop symptoms as 80 per cent of people with this condition are only diagnosed when it is too late.

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported me to this point, I’ve met some incredible people along the way that I cannot thank enough.

“I do want to stay involved in the game because football is my passion, however I’m not sure what the future holds for me just yet.

“If I could get one message across it would be to look out for symptoms and get your heart checked as regular as possible as you do not know what is around the corner and before you know it your career could be over like mine.

“I love football more than anything but I’m afraid my life is worth a lot more than that. All good things come to an end eventually, I just didn’t think mine would be so soon.”