Having retired in February due to a head injury from last season, the beloved ex-midfielder is back at Tottenham Hotspur.
Mason is plotting out the next chapter of his life, and he is trying to ensure football is a part of it. The midfielder suffered a horrific skull fracture during a collision last season, and was forced to permanently hang up his boots.
Mason remains positive as he puts his own personal misfortune to great use. In an interview with tottenhamhotspur.com, he spoke candidly about what he’s faced and what lies ahead. The club has welcomed him back into a voluntary coaching role.
"“I’m happy, that’s the most important thing,” Ryan said when asked about his state of mind. “I’m alive and I’m happy. It’s a whole new challenge that I’m stepping into now – I’ve done bits of media, I’m doing coaching, it’s just the next step in my career. To be honest I was hoping it would be at 35 or 36 years old but I’m 26, it’s happened, I’ve got a head-start on everyone and I’m keen to make the most of the next 10 years.”"
Mason joined Tottenham in 1999 at the age of eight. His first appearance came in 2008 as a substitute in the UEFA Cup. Eventually brought into the first team by Maurico Pochettino during a US tour, ‘Mase’ made his Premier League debut against Arsenal in 2015. Praised for his hard tackling, old-school midfield play, Mason also oozed passion for the club.
He accumulated 70 appearances and four goals in all competitions.
And he is putting his knowledge to work, taking part in training sessions and giving advice.
"The club is paying that forward, as Ryan said, “I’ve been in a couple of weeks now and it’s a great thing to be starting the next chapter. I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where the club have offered their help so it was a no-brainer to come back in and at the same time get cracking with my badges. At the moment I’m just observing as much as I can. I’ve joined in with little bits and taken little bits as well. I’m doing work with the young boys, with the reserves, with everyone, so I can hopefully pass on my knowledge and help them out.”"
Next: How will Spurs look in five years
As one of the first players to come through the academy during Poche’s tenure, Mason helped kickstart the current Spurs project. Combined with his new role as a mentor and coach, he can continue to help this club push on.
And Spurs supporters appreciate his unremitting dedication the club, now and always.