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Former West Ham and Wales star Jack Collison to retire aged 27

Former West Ham and Wales midfielder Jack Collison is retiring from football at the age 27 due to injury.

After making 121 appearances during an injury-hit time with the Hammers, the midfielder moved to Peterborough in the summer hoping to kickstart his career.

Collison made 12 appearances for the League One outfit, but has now decided to call time on his career due to persistent knee problems.

The midfielder, capped 17 times by Wales, dislocated a kneecap playing for West Ham in 2009 and will now focus on a coaching and media career.

"The nights I wake up in pain, or the mornings where I struggle to walk, will be a constant reminder I was lucky enough to play the game I love,'' he told The Sun. "I still wake up some mornings feeling good and think 'one more try.'

"But that would be unfair on myself, my fellow pros and my family. I want to bow out with some pride intact.''