The manager of Essendon ruckman Patrick Ryder has said the footballer would rather sit out of the AFL for a year that return to the club.

Ryder is seeking a trade to Port Adelaide due to the stress caused by Essendon’s ongoing supplements scandal.

The 26-year-old’s manager Paul Connors has told Fairfax Radio if a deal cannot be reached Ryder would consider retirement.

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“I think what he’s saying to Essendon is, ‘Look after (me). I know you may not get (a) completely fair (trade) for what I’m worth … but I think he’s saying this is bigger than football,” Connors told 3AW Radio on Friday.

“Yes he could (retire) if Essendon try to block any avenues that he can get to another club, yes he probably would.

“I always knew he was deeply affected after the first interview with ASADA because I think that’s where a few of the big bombshells were let loose to Paddy.

“The sad thing is if this doesn’t end up well Paddy could be lost to football.”

Ryder’s attempts to move to his preferred club Port Adelaide have already caused controversy, after the AFL ruled out plans by the two clubs to declare the last year of Ryder’s contract void to allow him to be treated as a free agent.

Essendon had previously rejected a Port Adelaide offer of pick 16 as insufficient to secure the trade, and Essendon coach James Hird spoke out on Wednesday, declaring that Ryder was a required player.

“If a player wants to leave we’ll look at that opportunity for them to leave, but it’ll have to be a good deal for us otherwise Paddy will stay an Essendon player,” Hird told Bombers TV.