Ebbsfleet defender Yado Mambo has been forced to retire because of injury.

The 26-year-old has been told by a knee specialist he won't play again after picking up an injury in the Fleet's defeat at Wrexham on November 18.

In what was Mambo's third spell at Ebbsfleet, the centre-half filled in capably when club captain Dave Winfield was injured at the start of the season.

Mambo told the club's website: "I’m really, really gutted but there’s nothing I can do. The specialist told me last week when I had my scan and X-ray. It’s one of those things, it’s life and you’ve just got to carry on.

"I want to say thanks to the Fleet fans for making me feel so at home, not only this season but all three spells I’ve had here.

"I’m just gutted I couldn’t play many more games for them. But it’s not the last time you’ll see my face, I’ll be around the stadium on matchdays, I’ll still be around the club.

"Ebbsfleet has a big place in my heart. I came through Charlton from a young player but Ebbsfleet is probably my second home."

Fleet manager Daryl McMahon said: "We’re all obviously gutted for Yads.

"When I brought him in last year, he slotted back into the club so well and was a terrific presence in the changing room. He got his chance this season and performed magnificently when called upon.

"He’s been a model pro in my time as manager and it’s such a shame that this injury has ended his career. The boys will rally round him, and I’m sure the fans will too, and he’s going to be part of the matchday staff at the club, so we hope that softens the impact a little bit for what is a massive blow to any player at the peak of their career.”

Vice-chairman Peter Varney added: "This is tremendously sad news for the club and of course even more so for Yado who has been in the game since coming through Charlton’s youth academy.

"In his several spells with the club here, he has been a fantastic professional and a fantastic person, with a positive, upbeat attitude that has made him immensely popular with staff, players and Ebbsfleet supporters.

"Early retirement is always a terrible blow for professional footballers but we wanted to keep Yado’s infectious personality and relationship with fans and players around the club and we will certainly not be seeing the last of him at the Kuflink Stadium."