Oldham goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi has been forced into retirement after conceding defeat in his battle to recover from a serious knee injury.Pogliacomi's right knee has degenerated and requires major open surgery that will likely see him sidelined for up to a year.

During two spells with the club, Pogliacomi has proved to be a popular figure at Boundary Park, making 187 appearances in the process.

He has agreed a termination package with the League One club and plans to eventually return to his native Australia.

Pogliacomi told the club's official website: "The shock that I needed an operation that would keep me out of the game for 12 months really knocked the stuffing out of me.

"English football is so passionate and full of history and I've had a chance to experience that."

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