Bradford City forward Nick Powell reveals he was set to retire at 31

Bradford City striker opens up on dark period and new lease on life

Bradford City forward Nick Powell has revealed he was going to retire in January aged 31, describing it as "a dark time" before fighting his way back into the Bantams side.

The former Manchester United man joined Bradford on a one-year deal last August but did not play between September and April. He has featured as a substitute in all 11 of the Bantams' games this season and scored twice in the 2-1 EFL Trophy win over Newcastle Under-21s on Tuesday.

"I was going to retire in January, it was a dark time for me," Powell told BBC Radio Leeds. "I couldn't see a future here and it was one of them where did I really want to carry on?"

He added: "The fact that I knuckled down and got back in last season and then did a whole pre-season and earned a new contract and sort of had praise from everyone... I fully enjoy it. I want more years."

From Crewe to Manchester United and back

Powell started his career with hometown club Crewe Alexandra and made his senior debut against Cheltenham in August 2010, aged 16. He joined Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and scored on his Premier League debut against Wigan that August but made just two further league appearances for United.

After loan spells with Wigan, Leicester and Hull City he eventually joined the Latics on a free in 2016 before spells with Stoke City and Stockport County.

New deal and impact off the bench

The 32-year-old signed a new one-year deal in August. He has scored four goals as a substitute this campaign for the League One leaders and said he is content with his role in the team.

"As long as I can help the team and come on and do what I do then I'm happy," he said. "One of the big things I said to the gaffer yesterday was I want to play as many games as I can before I retire. So if I have to play 50 games as a sub this season then I'll be more than happy. I do believe I can change the game in 30 minutes. I have no qualms about what is going on at the moment. There will be a time where I get frustrated and want to push for a start but if the gaffer says 'no, this is working' or 'this is what I'm thinking' then that is his role."

Alexander told BBC Radio Leeds after Tuesday's win that Powell "would not always be a sub" and praised his ability to impact games.

Reflecting on injuries

The former England Under-21 man conceded that some of the injury problems he has encountered over the course of his career have been self-inflicted.

"I probably hadn't looked after my body in the middle of my career and the early stages of my career too which has had a massive effect on me now," he said. "I am what I am because of what I didn't do but you can't dwell on that. I'm enjoying every second of it, if I finish at 33 or 35 it is what it is. My perspective changed a long time ago and I enjoy every second I play. If it's a substitute or a start I'm cherishing every moment."

Powell has scored 83 goals in 354 league appearances across his career.