Injuries have cut short the careers of many promising footballers over the years.

During the Premier League era, there have been numerous of examples of players who have been forced to retire due to fitness problems.

At some point, the body simply gives out and the decision has to be made on whether to continue or hang up the boots.

All the players on this list were prominent Premier League stars who ended their careers prematurely.

Press the next page as we count down our top five players who had to stop playing early due to injury.