‘Senseless attack by fan hasn’t put me off’ – Sharp targets playing beyond 40

During a remarkable playing career that spanned 21 years, 283 goals, and 10 different clubs, Billy Sharp has never once considered retiring.

At the conclusion of Sheffield United’s play-off defeat at the City Ground, a Nottingham Forest fan attacked the striker three years ago.

According to Sharp, “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” and that his lip was beheaded.

Later, it was revealed in court that Sharp had been the victim of a “senseless act of violence.”

However, the prolific goalscorer didn’t nearly retire at that time.

He seriously considered packing it all in a year later, when he was 37 years old, in 2023.

After making 129 goals in 377 appearances for his hometown club, he was just released by Sheffield United, the club he grew up supporting as a boy.

“I’d had three promotions with them”, adds Sharp, who has scored in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.

“That was my only kit,” I said. I merely desired to represent Sheffield United. When I was released, I pondered whether I should retire. ‘”.

After a brief spell with LA Galaxy, which included a hat-trick against Minnesota United, Sharp returned to his beloved game after being sent there on foot to clear that major disappointment.

“Visiting the LA Galaxy made me realize that I still enjoy scoring goals and playing football.” That’s why I’m still playing now”, he tells BBC Sport.

“I had the opportunity to play for another league and another team, which I really enjoyed playing for,” said the heartache of not playing for Sheffield United.

Five days after celebrating his 39th birthday at Doncaster Rovers, Sharp wants to cause an FA Cup rematch when the League Two club hosts Premier League Crystal Palace in the fourth round on Monday (5:00 GMT).

Sharp was 18 when he made his Sheffield United debut under Neil Warnock in 2004 in a team featuring Phil Jagielka, Paddy Kenny and Danny Cadamarteri.

Twenty-one years later, his unquenchable hunger, commitment and loyalty remains – despite memories of that 2022 attack.

After hundreds of jubilant home fans spilled onto the playing surface at full-time, Blades captain Sharp was making sure his team-mates made it safely off the pitch while he was unable to play against Forest, one of his former clubs, due to injury.

“I had a damaged lip]from being headbutted] but I was more hurt by the fact we’d lost a play-off semi-final”, he says of the attack.

Should players be slammed against the side of the field? No. Should the players’ safety and security have been improved that night? Yes.

” But it didn’t stop me from wanting to carry on playing. I want to keep playing football at venues like the City Ground and Wembley.

“It didn’t cross my mind that maybe I should retire”.

Later, a Forest season-ticket holder admitted to assault that actually caused bodily harm and was imprisoned for 24 weeks.

Despite having a successful pitch, Sharp has fallen victim to personal tragedy.

Three days after the death of his newborn son, he showed incredible courage to play and score for Doncaster against Middlesbrough in 2011.

“My goal for tonight was to dedicate my brave boy, Luey Jacob Sharp, to my most significant career.” I love you, son”, he wrote on social media after the game.

George Baldock, a close friend and former Sheffield United team-mate, passed away at the age of 31. The England-born Greece international was found dead in the swimming pool of his house in Glyfada, southern Athens, in October 2024.

“George’s passing affects me day to day”, says Sharp, who attended Baldock’s funeral and played alongside him at Wembley when Sheffield United lost 3-0 to Manchester City in an FA Cup semi-final in April 2023.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his 40th birthday the day Sharp turned 39. And just like Ronaldo, he wants to carry on playing.

“I’m still trying to convince myself I’m 29 – not 39”, he laughs.

A new dart board was one of his birthday presents.

“I’ve always been into darts, but a lot of people are into it right now, thanks to Luke Littler,” he said. When I was a child, Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor were my parents.

In Monday’s game between Crystal Palace and Sharp, the pair will hope to hit bullseye.

Sharp says Doncaster, his hometown, is a special place in his heart despite growing up a Sheffield United fan.

When Luey passed away 14 years ago, he was with them.

“They helped me through some incredibly tough times personally”, he adds.

Sharp’s contract expires in the summer. Next season, will he still be able to play in the NFL?

“The drive is still there, the hunger is still there. My goal is to score 300 career goals, and I’m going to try to keep playing.

” If I can’t do that this season, I want to make sure I reach that target next season. “

And how will his future life be when he stops playing?

” I’d like to be a manager. I’ve got my Uefa A and I’ve done my Uefa B coaching badges. “