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Connor Wickham discusses 18 months without a club and personal challenges

Sky Sports Football • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 9:02 AM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Connor Wickham discusses 18 months without a club and personal challenges

Summary

Connor Wickham, the former striker for Sunderland and Crystal Palace, has opened up about an 18-month absence from football following his release from Charlton in the summer of 2024. Speaking in an interview, Wickham described the emotional toll of not playing, stating he found it nearly impossible to watch games. Despite training with a club during this time, he faced difficulties finding opportunities closer to home due to family commitments. Wickham expressed determination to return to English football, emphasizing that his career remains unfinished and reflecting on how personal struggles contributed to his time out of the sport.

Source Links

Sky Sports Football

By the Numbers

•Wickham spent 18 months without a club after leaving Charlton.
•He trained with a club but faced location challenges.
•Describes watching football as 'torture' during his absence.
•Hopes to resume his playing career soon.
•Reflects on personal struggles limiting his options.

What they're saying

"
Three months into his second season at Crystal Palace - following a £9m move from Sunderland in the summer of 2015 - the trajectory of Connor Wickham's career changed.
— Sky Sports Football

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