Watford midfielder Damien Francis has been forced to retire from football due to persistent injury.
Hornets midfielder hangs up boots
Watford midfielder Damien Francis has been forced to retire from football due to persistent injury.
The former Wigan and Norwich man has made the decision on strong medical advice following a number of setbacks in his fight to regain full fitness.
The 29-year-old, who has made four substitute appearances in the Championship this term, has battled against injury since suffering a serious knee problem against Manchester City in April 2007.
"It was a very hard decision. It's still hard to take. I can't really believe it. It's not sunk in yet," he told Sky Sports News.
Setbacks
"I had a cruciate reconstruction 16 months ago and it's been quite a long road to recovery. I had a series of setbacks along the way.
"I spoke to the surgeon recently and he doesn't think that in his opinion that I can carry on my career."
Watford have struggled so far this season in the Championship, but Francis is backing Adrian Boothroyd to turn the club's fortunes around.
"I'm sure that if they play like they have been at home hopefully they'll get a result tomorrow [against Preston]," he added.
"It's a tough league, but it's relatively early days."
