Former Premier League striker Alan Smith has revealed a shocking long-term consequence of his playing career, admitting he has permanently lost all feeling in three toes on his left foot due to a serious ankle injury.
The Tackle That Caused Lasting Damage
The ex-Manchester United and Leeds United forward, who made 604 competitive appearances during his 20-year career, explained that while his horrific leg break against Liverpool is widely remembered, it was actually a later incident while playing for Newcastle United that caused the permanent nerve damage.
Speaking via BritishGambler.co.uk, the 45-year-old former England international detailed the moment during a Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland when a challenge from Kieran Richardson changed everything. "He just came in and caught me on my standing foot, on my standing leg, but it was my left," Smith recalled. "He literally just went high on my ankle, and my ankle inverted."
Medical Complications and Permanent Consequences
The damage was compounded by existing metalwork in his ankle from previous surgeries. When Smith consulted specialist James Calder at the Fortius Clinic in London, the medical assessment revealed the extent of the problem.
"He basically couldn't tell what was new damage and what was old damage," Smith explained, "and that's when I lost all the nerve damage in my foot, because I can't feel the last three toes on my left side, I can't feel them."
Despite this permanent sensation loss, Smith clarified that Richardson's tackle wasn't malicious, simply an unfortunate football incident.
Managing Life After Football
Remarkably, the former striker still maintains an active lifestyle despite his physical limitations. He continues to play casually, coaches in the United States, and has adapted his fitness routine to accommodate his injured ankle.
"Cycling, swimming... I think the key is to just try and keep doing something," Smith revealed about his current approach to fitness. "It's trying to find that balance of doing something that doesn't make my ankle really bad so I'm struggling to walk."
He has found red light therapy particularly beneficial for managing inflammation in his ankle, though morning stiffness remains a challenge. Smith also confirmed he still has the original surgical screws in his ankle, choosing to leave them in place rather than risk further complications by removing them.
Reflecting on his famous leg break from blocking a John Arne Riise free-kick two decades ago, Smith maintained he would make the same decision again, emphasizing that such commitment was simply part of being a professional footballer during his era.
