Alan Shearer admits he is not hopeful of recovering from his knee injury.
Newcastle hero Alan Shearer admits he is 'fearing the worst' for his career following an injury he picked up in the 4-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday.The Magpies' all-time record goalscorer was looking forward to an emotional end to his last ever campaign in English football, but after scoring a penalty against Newcastle's local rivals he had to be removed after clashing with Julio Arca.
Shearer suffered a suspected tear of his medial ligament and immediately acknowledged he may never play again with just weeks left of the campaign.
A scan has been delayed due to swelling around the knee, and Shearer admits he is not hopeful about the final results.
"I am fearing the worst unfortunately. I have been injured before plenty of times so I know the scenario and I haven't got a great hope," said Shearer.
"It's a matter of time. We have to wait and see and let nature take its course and hopefully the scan will reveal on Friday the damage is not too bad.
"Over the years my glass has always been half full and not half empty."
With a testimonial against Celtic lined up Shearer admits it may be a battle to regain his fitness for what would have been a rousing send-off on Tyneside.
"I will try hard to do it. Newcastle is my club and always has been. I've had 10 wonderful years here," he added.
"I have not given up hope yet, hopefully I can play a small part in the testimonial. All the tickets are sold and the money is going to charity."
Reflecting on his career, which may yet witness a remarkable comeback, Shearer expressed his contentment at fulfilling his childhood dreams for both club and country.
"I have had a great career, I can't complain. I have been a lucky boy," said Shearer. "I have never been one for looking back. I have had a fantastic time, I've been more lucky than many other people have and I have lived my boyhood dream, scoring goals in the number nine shirt.
"The undoubted highlight has been winning an England cap, winning the league at Blackburn in the way we did and playing for my club Newcastle.
"I had always wanted to do that as a boy, to score at the Gallowgate End as captain.
"I have hoped more than most to win things at Newcastle. But I have given my all and no-one can ever take that away."
The former Blackburn and Southampton striker also confirmed he will take a break from the game before returning to take a shot at management.
"I want some time for myself first.
"One day I'd like a bash at management, I am doing my badges at the moment but I want a few years off to enjoy life first."
One figure in the footballing world to lend their support to Shearer has been Sir Alex Ferguson, who famously tried and failed to land the striker on two separate occasions.
However the Manchester United boss has paid his tribute to the Newcastle legend after he overcame serious knee injuries in his career to become The Premiership's most prolific striker.
"Alan is the professional's professional. The great thing about Alan is that he's had some serious injuries," said Ferguson.
"It takes a lot of determination and will to get back from serious injuries but he has done it a number of times.
"That's the hallmark f someone who has great courage. Unfortunately he might not finish the season but this injury has just come at a bad time for him.
"He's just come back from a big injury and had a great period of playing. Some players can't do that but Alan has.
"There are no hard feelings that he turned Manchester United down. Football is football. I'm sorry he didn't join us but there you are."
