Mills has finally admitted defeat in his battle with injury

Former England defender Danny Mills has ended his playing career at the age of 32 after two injury-plagued seasons.

Right-back Mills was released by Manchester City on 1 July but had not played a match since January 2008.

He began his career with hometown club Norwich and also played for Charlton Athletic and Leeds United before joining the Eastlands outfit in 2004.

Mills was loaned to Hull and Charlton and then picked up his serious knee injury while on loan at Derby County.

He made 19 international appearances and played in all five of England's matches at the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.

"Unfortunately I have now got to the situation where I can no longer continue to play," Mills told BBC Radio 5 live. "So, really as from today, I'll be retiring from the professional game and looking to do other things.

"It has been difficult. I was fortunate it wasn't my decision in the end. I've been around the world - America, Germany, Sweden, London - I've been everywhere trying to get it sorted.

"I've been out for 18 months. I'm likely to have another operation in three or four months' time. Basically the knee just can't cope with it any more."

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