Primus forced to retire
December 9, 2009 - 0:0
Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus has announced his retirement from football after failing to recover from a knee injury.
Primus originally underwent a knee operation at the end of the 2006/07 season and he has made just one appearance for Pompey since that time.That came as a late substitute in the final home game of last season against Sunderland after he had undertaken a loan spell at first club Charlton Athletic earlier in the campaign.
The 36-year-old has been unable to fully recover from the problem and has made his long-term health his priority after making 219 appearances for Pompey.
""I had a knee operation a couple of months ago and it was made clear to me that if I did try to continue I would do long-term damage,"" the popular stopper told the club's official website.
""I would rather have a good knee for the rest of my life than to try to play on and make the knee worse. I've got to think of the long term rather than the short term.""
He added: ""To finish my career in the Premier League is a great thing.
""I've been part of some amazing games and seasons and been on the same pitch as international players and not felt out of place.""
Portsmouth's chief executive officer Peter Storrie offered his tribute to Primus and confirmed he would be staying on at the club in a new role.
Storrie said: ""Linvoy is Mr Portsmouth and we're sad that he will not be donning a blue shirt again. He has been a great servant to the club and is loved by everyone here and in the city.
""But Linvoy still has so much to give to the club so we're delighted that he is going to be staying with us beyond this season in an ambassadorial role.""