Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has expressed his sadness at Ryan Mason early retirement from football 

The 26-year-old England international suffered a serious head injury suffered in January 2017 in a clash with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill and was forced to call it time with the beautiful game.

Mason confirmed his decision earlier this week, 13 months after fracturing his skull during a Premier League clash between Hull City and Chelsea.

Seven- times winner Chelsea host Champions side Hull in the FA Cup quarter-finals at Stamford Bridge on Friday night as the Blues coach Conte send a message to former Tottenham Hotspurs midfielder.

“For sure we are very sad about this bad news. He showed great strength to recover, to try to play again, and it’s a pity to stop your career at such a young age.

“We are very sad. The players and the club wish him and his family the best for the present and the best for the future. the Italian said on the club official website.

Meanwhile, Conte confirmed he will give the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Callim

Hudson-Odoi the chance to impress against Hull.