Former Wigan midfielder Damien Francis has retired after failing to recover from a serious knee injury. Francis, just 29, hasn't played since April 2007 for last club Watford.

Francis was signed by former manager Paul Jewell from Norwich for a fee in the region of £2.5million during Wigan's maiden Premiership season.

A box to box midfielder, he played just one season in Wigan colours before being sold to Watford for £1.5million. His most memorable moment was the winner at Everton which gave the Latics their first Premiership away win.

He told Watford's official website: ""I'm devastated to have to accept the decision to announce my retirement."

Francis made 276 appearances during his career scoring 39 goals. Everyone at Wiganer.net wishes Francis all the best.