CHARLTON defender Richard Rufus has been forced to retire following a serious knee injury, it was revealed today.

The 29-year-old underwent a major operation in the USA earlier this year but it has not proved successful.

Manager Alan Curbishley said today: "Losing a player of Richard's ability is a massive blow both for the club and the player.

"He has been one of the key factors in the success we have enjoyed over recent years, and always trained as hard as he played. He was a model professional and a credit to the club. He will be sorely missed."

Rufus, who came through the club's youth ranks, said it would take a long time for him to come to terms with the fact he will not play for Charlton again.

He added: "I have worked so hard to recover from this injury but clearly it wasn't to be.

"I would like to thank everyone at the club for their support and particularly the supporters, who have always been right behind me from the time I first broke into the first team."