1. Confusion, fear, anger, desperation, apprehension. These are just a few of the emotions running through your head when you realise that the only job you’ve ever wanted, the only life you’ve ever known, is coming to an end.

That phone call to my wife after the game was emotional. She knew how painful football had become for me and that I wasn’t happy.

Writing on the BBC Sport site, former Hull and Blackpool striker Ben Burgess reveals how he left football behind to become a teacher.

2. Here is a nightmare. On Feb. 12, 1992, at 2:34 a.m., a boy was born in a Philadelphia hospital. The mother, 25 years old and with five children already, had been an alcoholic since she was 14; during this pregnancy she had spent most of her welfare checks on crack. Hospital staffers assumed the worst: that the pus oozing from the newborn’s eyes indicated chlamydia, that the tenseness in his body was a sign of withdrawal. It was no shock when tests confirmed his exposure to cocaine.

Two of his brothers would never see 30.

Sport Illustrated’s S. L. Price tells the astonishing story of Max Lenox, who was born to a crack-addicted black mother and raised by two white gay fathers, before becoming captain of Army basketball.

3. I was scared that first night walking past the homeless people. Like everyone else I had a perception of what homelessness looks like. I’d see this homeless guy coming towards me and I’d think: ‘Bloody hell, I’m scared. He’s mental. He’s crazy.’ I’m walking past people with cans – and even those without cans looked rough. I’m absolutely cacking myself.

Donald McRea of the Guardian interviews England’s most-capped female footballer, Fara Williams, who overcame homelessness to achieve such international renown.

4. Playing in MLS for Los Angeles Galaxy, Robbie Keane’s soccer has reached new heights in America as he’s been recognized as the MVP.  Americans love everything about him- from his goalshots right the way through to his Mrs Doubtfire accent.  But back home, he’s had it pretty tough.