THE CANADIAN PRESS

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MONTREAL - Injuries have forced Canadian defender Gabriel Gervais to call it quits.

The Montreal defender is retiring from professional soccer after seven years with the Impact, the United Soccer Leagues club announced Tuesday. The 32-year-old missed most of last season with injuries.

"This was a very difficult decision to make," Gervais said in a statement. "I always said that I would continue playing as long as my body would allow me to, but in light of the various injuries I suffered in 2008, I have to come to terms with the fact that I can no longer play."

Gervais made 11 appearances for Canada's national team, earning his first cap in 2004 at the age of 27. He last played for Canada in June 2007.

He made his debut in the USL First Division in 2000 with the Rochester Rhinos, then joined the Impact in 2002, helping the club to the league championship in 2004, and regular-season title in 2005 and '06.

Gervais became the first USL player to win defender of the year honours three times, winning the award in 2003, '04, and '06.

The Impact named him their defensive player of the year in 2002, '03 and '06, and he won the Giuseppe-Saputo Trophy as the team MVP in 2004.

Gervais said winning the league championship in 2004 was his greatest moment.

"Gabriel has always served the team well," said Impact technical director Nick De Santis, who coached Gervais during five seasons as head coach. "He was a true leader on and off the field, and always showed exemplary discipline. It's unfortunate for him to see his career end because of injuries."

The Impact said Gervais will remain with the organization in some capacity.