Olly Lee has announced his decision to retire after struggling to overcome arthritis.

The 31-year-old has been suffering for some time and his last appearance for the Gills was as a substitute in the game at Sutton United on December 29 last year. He finishes his time with the club having played 113 times.

Gillingham released a statement, on behalf of the player, which said: "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 can no longer perform to the levels I know I am capable of, my body no longer allows it. This has been an extremely painful journey both mentally and physically. I have tried many medications over the last year, and many comebacks, but to no avail.

"I am thankful for the moments I have been fortunate enough to experience, and can now finally look back on my career with pride at what I did manage to achieve.

"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."

Lee - son of former Newcastle and England midfielder Rob Lee - first joined the Gills on loan in 2012 from West Ham, playing a handful of games. He went onto sign for Barnet before a big move to Birmingham City.

He joined Luton Town and had a couple of years in the Scottish Premiership with Hearts before returning to Priestfield in the summer of 2019, the first of two loan spells before making the move permanent in the summer of 2021.