"We have spoken with Fab and he knows we will always support him in whatever he wants to do and that we will always be here for him, " said Coyle, whose team begin life in the second division on Saturday after being relegated last season.

CNN: 'Devastated' Muamba retires from soccer

Pride always has been and always will be his fatal flaw, and we see it again here.

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"I think in the back of all our minds there is that sense of loss, and while we're delighted to be here and we're delighted to receive the accolade of this town, I think it will always be tinged with a degree of sadness for those that aren't with us, and indeed those that are injured and can't parade, " he said.

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