Former Hearts midfielder Olly Lee has retired from football and delivered an emotional post.
The 31-year-old spent spent three years at Tynecastle between 2018 and 2021 under Craig Levein who recruited him from Luton Town and was a popular figure among the Jambos fans during the start of the 2018/19 season in which the Gorgie would make the Scottish Cup final, ultimately losing out to treble treble winners Celtic.
However due to being diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and Raynaud's condition, the Englishman has been forced to hang up his boots and made sure to single out Hearts for praise in an emotional social media message.
READ MORE: Joel Pereira on biggest Hearts regret as ex-Man United man admits 'it disappoints me to this day'
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A statement read: "I can’t believe I am actually writing this, but having been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and Raynaud's condition over a year ago, I am now having to face the fact I can no longer continue my professional football career.
“I want to say a special thank you to my wife, Beth, for following me wherever football took us and never questioning it for a second, without your support I couldn’t have done any of it. To my kids, I wish you could have seen daddy play more but I won’t hesitate to get the clips out and I hope I will make you proud in the future. And to my family for guiding me and helping me in both the highs and the lows, I am forever grateful for you all.
“I am thankful for all the support from the fans at the clubs I was lucky enough to represent, particularly Luton and Hearts, two clubs that are now extremely close to my heart and I will always follow.
“A big thank you must go to Gillingham fans for always being great with me during my time at the club and particularly Manager Neil Harris and all staff behind the scenes for being so supportive during such a difficult period for myself.
“There are still tough days ahead but I am very lucky to have found my passion in coaching, and helping people which I am excited to dive into now.
“Although playing at the level is no longer part of my journey, it is now the fuel that drives me to help the next generation of players on their journey."
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