Ryan Nelsen has two bone defects in his knees and a hamstring held together with "screws and mesh", but still managed to walk away from Loftus Road as a legend today after playing his last professional football match of a 12-year career at the highest level.
Nelsen once again epitomised the fight and control that his QPR side has shown in defence over the past few weeks as they held second placed Manchester City scoreless in a 0-0 draw.
At the end of the game fans QPR fans chanted 'There is only one Ryan Nelsen,' while players gave Nelsen a guard of honour as a mark of respect for the New Zealander.
Nelsen will now take up a stint as manager of MLS side Toronto FC and in an interview with MLSsoccer.com yesterday Nelsen said he will be sad to leave England but is excited for the next challenge.
"Obviously, it's just that time, you know," Nelsen said. "That's life. I'm not getting any younger and I always felt to get to 35-and-a-half [and still playing well], I would have given my left arm to do that 15 years go. So I have no complaints. I leave on my terms and I feel extremely fortunate to even have had that opportunity."
