Former Charlton defender Rhoys Wiggins has been forced to retire due to a serious knee problem suffered more than 18 months ago.

The 30-year-old Bournemouth man, who was on loan at Birmingham at the time of the injury in October 2016, underwent a series of operations but failed to make a full recovery.

Wiggins played a major role in Charlton’s promotion to the Championship in 2012, making 47 appearances.

"This isn't something I ever thought I would have to write at the age of 30, but due to the injury I sustained I am unfortunately not able to continue with the job I love to do," wrote Wiggins in an open letter to Cherries fans on the club's website.

"I have been battling for the last two years, doing everything possible to get back out there, but my knee just won't allow me to do so.

"I'm absolutely gutted on a number of levels."

Former Wales Under-21 international Wiggins made 72 appearances in all competitions for Bournemouth across a number of spells.

His final stint with the south-coast club was blighted by injury and he failed to make a Premier League outing for Eddie Howe's men following a transfer from Sheffield Wednesday in February 2016.

Wiggins also revealed that he had suffered a fractured skull during a freak accident following his first knee operation.

"A lot of people are also unaware that I had an accident after my first operation and sustained a fractured skull," he wrote. "This was, and has been, the most challenging time of my life."

In addition to his time with Bournemouth, Birmingham and Wednesday, the left-back represented Norwich and Charlton, having begun his career at Crystal Palace.