Pompey’s Primus retires because of injury

Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus announced his retirement from professional football on Tuesday because of a persistent knee injury.

The 36-year-old centre-half made 219 appearances and scored six goals for the south coast club, currently bottom of the English Premier League, after joining from Reading in 2000.

Primus, who helped Pompey win promotion to the top flight and establish themselves as a Premier League team, is now set to work in an ambassadorial role for the club after accepting medical advice not to play again following recent knee surgery.

“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,” Primus told the club’s official website.

“I would rather have a good knee for the rest of my life than try to play on and make the knee worse. I’ve got to think of the long-term rather than the short-term.”

Primus, first ruled out with knee trouble ahead of the 2007/08 season, made his final Portsmouth appearance in May when he came the bench for the final few minutes of the home match against Sunderland at Fratton Park.

“To finish my career in the Premier League is a great thing,” Primus added. “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.”

Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said Primus was “Mr Portsmouth” and added he was glad the player would be continuing his association with the club.

“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,” Storrie 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.”