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Depression the reason behind retirement, not my knee, says ex-Wales back row Powell

‘It was tough but I’ve made the decision and it’s a lot of weight off my shoulders,’ says the Lions tourist.

FORMER LIONS AND Wales number eight Andy Powell has revealed that depression, rather than a physical complaint, was behind his decision to retire.

Merthyr RFC announced the 35-year-old’s retirement from the game last week, citing an ongoing knee injury as the reason for hanging up his boots.

However, the 23-cap Welsh international last night told Sky Sports:

“The last year has been difficult. I’ve been suffering a bit with depression. I gave a statement the other day saying it was my knee, but it wasn’t.”

Powell admits the decision to open up about his mental health was not easy to take, but feels a weight has been lifted by doing so.

“I’ve been thinking in the back of my mind for a long time, ‘am I going to do it now?’ It was tough but I’ve made the decision and it’s a lot of weight off my shoulders, which I feel a lot better for.

“I’ve been dealing with it for around 18 months. It’s been tough, family problems and knowing when to call time on your career. It’s done now and it does feel a lot better.”

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    Mute gudfella75
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    Aug 10th 2012, 9:20 PM

    No shame losing to a boxer of that quality, the Cuban is class. Great to get a bronze Conlon, be proud.

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    Mute Michael Hegarty
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    Aug 10th 2012, 9:20 PM

    Michael Conlon must have the heart of a lion. To know your down, and to hang on in there and give it your all, right to the bell shows Michael is a brave sportsman. he done himself and all of us proud!!!!

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    Mute Graham Kelly
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    Aug 10th 2012, 9:22 PM

    Conlon gave it his best, but the Cuban was just unbeatable. Still, Conlon got bronze, he can go home happy enough.

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    Mute Barry Ryan
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    Aug 10th 2012, 10:19 PM

    That Cuban was brilliant. Michael Conlan did Ireland proud, another Bronze medal. Well Done

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    Mute Mjhint
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    Aug 10th 2012, 10:16 PM

    This group of Irish athletes have done this country proud for a country that does not give them world class training facilities. We should not forget that.

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    Mute Shirley Cummings
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    Aug 11th 2012, 7:54 AM

    That can’t be an excuse, alot of the smaller countries don’t have world class facilities and have done alot better than Ireland, the athletes just aren’t good enough, Katy & Annalise & John Joe apart!

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    Mute Declan Harkin
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    Aug 10th 2012, 10:38 PM

    The Cuban will win gold for sure. Conlan done himself and country proud

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    Mute Aidan
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    Aug 11th 2012, 12:46 AM

    Would have done better Sean???

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    Mute Val Kearney
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    Aug 10th 2012, 10:14 PM

    Can someone tell me, whats the story with the bronzes for boxing? Do both the loosing semi-finalists get one?

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    Mute Declan Harkin
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    Aug 10th 2012, 10:35 PM

    Hi Val, there’s two bronze medals for the loser of each semi final in boxing, rather than a fight off for 3rd place

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    Mute Fussy Galore
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    Aug 11th 2012, 9:18 AM

    Well done Michael, you did your country and your family proud. Learn from the experience and build on it for Rio in 2016.

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    Mute Seán Cafferkey
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    Aug 11th 2012, 12:27 AM

    That was the worst fight I’ve seen by an Irish boxer at these games! Why the hell did he turn his back on the Cuban?

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    Mute Stephen MacMahon
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    Aug 11th 2012, 3:59 AM

    He turned his back because he was unfortunately outclassed…. He won bronze and well done. Conlon will learn and will come back stronger in Rio. Come on John Joe

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