AFL star Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin’s shock retirement news after devastating calf injury

AFL legend Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin has called it quits on his superstar career following a devastating calf injury.

The Sydney and Hawthorn great has stunned Aussie fans after announcing his immediate retirement after being hurt while playing on Sunday.

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The AFL superstar announced his shock retirement today[/caption]

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Lance Franklin suffered a career-ending injury on Sunday[/caption]

The 36-year-old made the decision to not play another game after injuring his calf during his side’s win over Essendon FC and told his teammates this morning.

“What a journey. Thanks to everyone who has been on this crazy ride with me,” he wrote on Instagram today.

As one of the most decorated AFL forwards of all time, he is being given an emotional send-off by his Swans teammates and bosses after what he called an “unbelievable journey”.

Swans coach John Longmire lead the tributes for his retiring star player at a press conference this afternoon, which

“Lance Franklin has been a wonderful player with this football club and in my opinion is the greatest forward of his generation,” Longmire said.

“He is an absolute freak of nature and we have been lucky enough to have front row seats to one of the best ever to play.”

He said that Franklin had been “devastated” to end this way and was emotional as he revealed his decision to retire.

The forward has kicked 1,066 goals from 354 games making him the fourth-highest goalscorer in Aussie rules football’s history.

After his 1000th AFL goal against Geelong last year, his loyal fans flooded the pitch to celebrate their hero.

Gillon McLachlan, AFL chief executive, described that moment as “perhaps the best moment in footy this century”.

“He’s been unbelievable, we will miss him terribly but we have the most amazing memories of his contribution to footy,” he said.

He won two premierships with the Hawthorn Hawks in 2008 and 2013 before moving to Sydney Swans aged 26 on a sensational contract rumoured to be worth £7.75million [AUD$10million].

Franklin’s coach at Hawthorn, Alastair Clarkson, is still in awe of the young player that joined them all those years ago.

“It’s quite unique that over a 20-year career, Bud only had two coaches,” he said.

“It speaks of his loyalty, dedication and mateship that he retires an icon of the game.”

He added: “He has set a current-day watermark that I believe will be unsurpassed.”

Despite some issues deriving from injuries, Franklin spent 10 years shining at the Swans.

Now, his club said he will now be taking time away from the limelight to be with his two young children and wife Jesinta.

Jesinta responded to her husband’s announcement with the heartfelt Instagram message: “So proud of my husband on what has been an incredible career.

“For 12 years footy has been such a huge part of our lives and has come with lots of highs and lows. It’s been an honour to be part of the journey with you.”

A formal farewell for Franklin is planned for a future match.

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He has been heralded as a ‘the greatest forward of his generation’[/caption]