# Nick Powell nearly quit football at 31

> Bradford City's veteran forward reveals he almost retired in January before a career turnaround gave him new purpose.
- Title: Nick Powell nearly quit football at 31 · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: Bradford City's veteran forward reveals he almost retired in January before a career turnaround gave him new purpose. Powell went from contemplating…
- Keywords: nick powell, bradford city, football, league one, retirement, career comeback, manchester united, substitute role, efl trophy, sports, Nick, Powell
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cwddvlp265reo
- Published: 2026-09-23T09:29:39.864+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nick powell, bradford city, football, league one, retirement, career comeback, manchester united, substitute role, efl trophy, sports
## Powell nearly retired at 31
Bradford City forward Nick Powell revealed he planned to quit football in January after a difficult period when he couldn't see a future in the game.

> I was going to retire in January, it was a dark time for me
## From Manchester United to the brink
Powell joined Manchester United in 2012 under Sir Alex Ferguson but made just three league appearances before loan spells at Wigan, Leicester and Hull. He eventually moved to Wigan permanently in 2016.
## Injury problems from poor self-care
Powell acknowledged that self-inflicted injury problems throughout his career, stemming from not looking after his body in his early and middle years, have had a massive effect on him now.

> I am what I am because of what I didn't do
## Turnaround through hard work
Powell knuckled down, got back in the previous season, completed a full pre-season and earned a new one-year contract in August. He has now scored four goals as a substitute this campaign for League One leaders Bradford.
## Content with his substitute role
The 32-year-old is happy coming off the bench and believes he can change games in 30 minutes. He told his manager he wants to play as many games as possible before retiring, even if that means 50 appearances as a substitute.

> I do believe I can change the game in 30 minutes
## Cherishing every moment now
Powell's perspective has changed and he now enjoys every second he plays, whether as a substitute or starter. He said he will play until age 33 or 35 and is cherishing each moment on the pitch.

> I'm enjoying every second of it, if I finish at 33 or 35 it is what it is
## Key takeaway

Powell went from contemplating retirement to signing a new contract and finding fulfillment as an impact substitute, showing how a change in perspective can revive a stalled career.