FORMER Burnley wide midfielder Danny Karbassiyoon has spoken of his disappointment at being forced to retire from football at the tender age of 22.

The ex-Arsenal starlet, who Steve Cotterill brought to Turf Moor on a free transfer in June 2005, has had his career cut short by a crippling knee injury.

The Virginia-born youngster battled for fitness during his 12 months in East Lancashire and subsequently had his contract terminated.

He returned to the United States hoping to feature in Major League Soccer, but his injury problems never went away.

"I've been to (Washington) DC and Miami to see different doctors and get different opinions regarding my knee," Karbassiyoon explained.

"Unfortunately, all the doctors I've spoken with share the same thoughts in terms of the state of my knee - another operation wouldn't guarantee anything but could possibly be a temporary cure.

"They said on top of that, another operation, if I continue playing, would be inevitable in a couple years if that long.

"So, already I'm looking at least two more operations to continue playing and horrible knee problems when I get older.

"As hard as it is to just walk away from playing soccer, I'm trying to be as sensible as I can for my future. Soccer gave me so much and allowed me to meet so many interesting people, while taking me all around the world and I would never trade that for anything."

Burnley manager Cotterill said: "I spoke to Danny not long ago and what seems to have happened is his knee has flared up again.

"We spoke about this while Danny was here. He is only a young lad and while he may have to give up football at an early age, he mustn't damage it for the rest of his life.

"He may have a family in a few years time and so long as he looks after himself now, he may be able to be able to kick a ball with his kids.

"As disappointing and upsetting as it is for him, he has the rest of his life to contend with."