Fulham manager Martin Jol has praised the commitment of Zdenek Grygera after the defender was forced to retire with a knee injury.

The 32-year-old has been absent for over a year after suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament against Tottenham Hotspur. After 13 months of rehabilitation, Grygera has made the decision to retire.

Jol told reporters: "Grygera told me that he will quit. He will stay with us until the December 15. He is retiring as it is now as he first wants to be healthy, sound and get back to his fitness because he has a few problems with his hip and his knee.

"He was probably never 100%, not even 90%, but he is an unbelievable character.

"I feel for him because it is tough because I think there was another two or three years in him, but it was his decision."

Grygera moved to Craven Cottage after leaving Juventus, while he also appeared 65 times for Czech Republic.