Tom Lockyer has delivered this message to Luton Town supporters, with a further farewell interview to follow tomorrow evening.

“It’s been a long old road, but I am very lucky to have had such wonderful support from those brilliant medical people and everyone at the club to get to this stage,” said Locks.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to represent and captain this great club on the biggest stage. A stage some never thought possible. I left everything out on the pitch every time I pulled on the orange jersey and I have loved every minute of my five years with Luton. A lot might say they’d die for their club, but I can say I actually have!

“I want to give playing another go, because at least then I can say I gave it everything. I know that can’t be here at Luton, but this club has been a huge part of my life, it’s where I became a Premier League player and a dad, and I’ll never forget the great times we’ve shared.

“I can’t emphasise enough how proud I am to have been your captain. I’ll never forget the feeling of scoring against Bristol City, then in the play-off against Sunderland – what a night at the Kenny!

“Leading the team out at Wembley, then at Brighton for the first game in the Prem and scoring in the first-ever Premier League win at Everton was schoolboy dream stuff.

“Thank you to all the supporters who have backed me, your messages of love and support have helped me through some tough times. And to all of my team-mates, managers, staff and friends right through the club, I can’t emphasise enough how knowing that you’ve had my back has brought me to this stage.

“Luton Town will always have a place in my heart. Our results will always be the first I look for, and I look forward to the day I can come back and say a proper farewell in person. Once a Hatter, always a Hatter.”