Heart surgery forces Newport County captain Mark O'Brien to retire aged 27
Newport captain Mark O'Brien has retired from football at the age of 27 as he requires heart surgery.
O'Brien, formerly of Derby and Luton, scored four times in 127 appearances for the Exiles.
The defender netted the winning goal against Notts County in 2017 which helped Newport avoid relegation from League Two and retain their English Football League status.
A Newport statement read: "The club will be doing everything it can to support Mark at this difficult time."
O'Brien had open-heart surgery when he was 16 and speaking to ITV Wales said retirement wasn't "too much of a shock."
The former Derby County and Luton Town player said he will miss playing at Rodney Parade and its atmosphere.
"The last three years have given me the best memories I've had in football and it's stuff I'll look back on and cherish."
"Rodney Parade is special and I'm glad I was part of it."
The Exiles have seen two defenders forced to retire due to a heart issue in just over a year after Fraser Franks was forced to retire.
Newport finished 14th in League Two after clubs formally voted to end the season earlier this month.
Watch the full interview with Mark O'Brien below: