Former Portsmouth favourite Linvoy Primus has announced his retirement from football after failing to overcome a persistent knee injury.

The 36-year-old originally underwent a knee operation at the end of the 2006/07 season, but after making just one appearance since, he has decided after careful consideration to bring the curtain down on his career.

"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," he told Pompey'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.

"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," he added.

Primus made 219 appearances for Pompey, whom he joined in 2000 from Reading, and established himself as a firm fans favourite due to his commitment to the cause and his professionalism.

The no-nonsense centre-back missed out on the club's glorious FA Cup success in 2008 due to his knee injury with his final appearance in a Pompey shirt coming as a substitute against Sunderland in the final home game of last season.

Pompey chief executive, Peter Storrie, paid tribute to a true cult-hero, and revealed that Primus will now undertake an ambassadorial role with the South Coast outfit.

"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,” he said.

"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."

ExtraFootie would like to take the opportunity to wish Linvoy Primus all the very best as he moves into a career off the pitch.