Scimeca started his career with Premier League side Aston Villa

Cardiff City midfielder Riccy Scimeca has retired after failing to overcome a persistent groin injury.

The 34-year-old had an operation on Wednesday after suffering a recurrence of the injury in the win over West Bromwich Albion.

It was only his second outing after 15 months out with ankle ligament trouble.

"Whatever the temptation to go on and to try again, you can't ignore what your body is telling you," Scimeca told Cardiff City's website.

"I've had a good career - it's been great. I feel it's better to be grateful for that rather than think about my regrets about not carrying on as a player.

"Facing the lads and telling them I was finishing was one of the hardest things I have done. I welled up a little bit, but that's to be expected.

"There's a feeling of relief as well but it was very hard to make that decision. It had to come at some stage.

"I wanted to be the one to make the decision, and it's come earlier for me than I would have liked, but that's the way it goes."

Scimeca joined Cardiff on a free transfer from West Brom in January 2006.

He started his career at Aston Villa but left after six years for Nottingham Forest in a £3m switch in 1999.

After four years, Scimeca moved to Leicester City for free and a year later signed for West Brom in a £100,000 deal.

"We are saying goodbye to a great professional and one of the nicest men in football," said Cardiff manager Dave Jones.

"It's been a tough decision for him to take and we wish Riccy, his wife Laura and their family all the very best for the future."

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