ALAN POUTON has been forced to retire from the game after failing to overcome a knee injury.

Pouton, who joined the Gills in January 2004, has only made seven appearances this season and announced his retirement at a press conference on Thursday, which was also his 30th birthday.

He said: "It’s the hardest thing I’ve had to do. Football is my life."

Gills boss Ronnie Jepson said: "It’s sad when this happens, especially at his age."

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