Jose Enrique announces retirement over long-standing knee injury and admits heartbreak over final months with Liverpool: 'I'm still not quite right either physically or mentally'

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Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has announced his retirement from football after suffering with a long-term knee injury.  

The 31-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Real Zaragoza this summer, admitted he struggled both physically and mentally with the injury - that was only meant to rule him out for a short period - before deciding to call time on his career.

'Something that was supposed to be for three months ended up turning into two years,' he said. 'I saw five doctors in England, but they did not get the problem, he said in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca. 

Jose Enrique has announced his retirement from football because of a knee injury

Enrique made 99 appearances for the Reds but a knee injury tarnished his career there

'I'm still not quite right, either physically or mentally, but I feel like starting from scratch.

'I could not play without medication, I did not even train. It was hard, desperate, sometimes I got dizzy in training on so much medication.'

Enrique spent five years with Liverpool from 2011 to 2016, having signed from Newcastle for £6million. He made 99 appearances for the Merseyside outfit and saw the final few years of his career with the club hindered by his knee injury.

Enrique previously played for Newcastle having signed from Villarreal in 2007 for £6.3million

He previously signed for the Magpies from Villarreal in 2007 for £6.3million.

In an Instagram post announcing his retirement, he said: 'It comes with a very heavy heart today to announce my retirement from professional football. Its been a very hard decision to take and accept. 

'I would of loved to have played more years at my best level if my body would of let me but all good things have to come to an end and more in football. I just want to say a huge thanks to all of the fans and clubs who have supported me throughout my career. You have been the best! 

'I have been blessed to play for some of the best teams in the world, with some of the best players in the world. these memories will stay with me forever.'

Enrique won the League Cup in 2012 with Liverpool having been bought by former Reds boss Kenny Dalglish.