Scott Barron said his decision to retire from professional football was undoubtedly the right one.
Scott left Brentford at the end of last season and announced earlier this week he had to retire due to a long-standing hip problem.
The 28-year-old said he got the recommendation to retire earlier this year and wanted to ensure he had a healthy post-football life.
“The injury was December 2012 in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy game at Southend United,” said Scott, speaking to Bees Player earlier this week.
“It was innocuous, no one around me, [the hip] just popped out.
“I felt something go, and in the coming weeks we treated it, but it didn't feel right and eventually resulted in surgery.
“The hip never felt right again really, even after surgery; the physios did some great work with me, and were very patient, but it just never got right.
“After a year, 14 months, you start asking questions ‘am I ever going to be right?’.
“I never felt anywhere near it, which was a shame, and I saw the surgeon in about March/April time and he recommended I retire.”
Getting a doctor’s verdict is something every footballer dreads.
“I had prepared myself for it, so it wasn't a big shock to the system,” said Scott.
“I didn't want to carry on playing if it made it worse, if that was an option, there’s no need – I want to have a hip that is usable for the rest of my life really.”
The news brought down a two-year career at Griffin Park where Scott felt he didn't get to show the fans his real potential.
“When I came to Brentford, I had every intention of performing to the best of my ability,” said Scott.
“Initially it didn't work out for footballing reasons, but then the injury came and you know yourself you’re nowhere near.
“I couldn't get close to people anymore defensively and the pain was quite agonising and something wasn't prepared for, and prepared to deal with really.
“I didn't want to coast down into the lower leagues playing 20 games a season and just getting by and living off anti-inflammatories - it didn't really suit me.
“I think the right decision was made, I didn't really have a choice in it, which was good, it seemed the best thing to do from a medical point of view.”
And now Scott has started a life off the pitch, but he’s still involved in the football business.
“I've started with Refuel Performance Management,” said Scott.
“I’m not an agent, but looking after a player’s needs to help him perform to the best of his ability on the pitch.
“If a player has problems off the pitch, we like to alleviate that, taking away the outside factors and help them perform.
“I know what’s like and I think I can communicate quite well with the younger pros.
“I’ve done a little bit for Sky and some radio not so long ago and have quite enjoyed it.
“It’s not something I thought about when I was younger, and I’m happy with it.”
You can view the entire video interview with Scott on Bees Player now.