Birmingham City defender David Murphy has been forced into early retirement because of a knee injury.
The left-back calls time on his playing career at just 30 as he felt that he couldn't produce his best form after an 18-month spell blighted by injury problems.
"All of my rehabilitation went as well as it could have done and I managed to return to playing for a brief spell," he told Birmingham's website.
"However, I wasn't able to sustain the heights of my previous form and as a result I have no option but to retire.
"Having sought advice from the surgeon and medical staff at the football club, I had to make sure in my own mind that I was ready to retire. I have reached that decision and will look forward to the next chapter in my life."
Murphy made the last of his 132 appearances for Birmingham against Derby County back in October. He scored 13 goals for the club following a £1.5m move from Hibernian in January 2008.
Former Birmingham and now Hull City defender Curtis Davies tweeted: "Sad to hear that Murph has retired. Great player & more so a great lad. So cruel! Makes you appreciate every game you play!"
Murphy also played for Middlesbrough and Barnsley in his 13-year professional career.
Pascal Lemesre
