Olly Lee retires as former Hearts star reveals diagnosis and singles out Jambos in emotional address

Former Hearts midfielder Olly Lee has announced his retirement from football after being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and Raynaud's condition.

Lee spent three years at Tynecastle between 2018 and 2021 after being snapped up by Craig Levein from Luton Town on a three-year deal. Lee proved a popular addition after Hearts started the 2018-19 campaign on fire, winning their first five matches to go top of the league.

He was part of the squad that reached the Scottish Cup final that year, and helped Hearts back to Hampden in the delayed 2020 competition. He provided an assist as they beat city rivals Hibs as a Championship club, but they lost in the final against to Celtic, this time on penalties. His finest moment in maroon however, came in a New Year’s derby win at Easter Road in january 2019, hitting a stunning winner from distance with his weaker left foot.

The following season, Lee found himself down the pecking order and was keen to return south to be closer to family. He was loaned to Gillingham for the season before joining the Kent club on a permanent basis.

Afterseeing his gametime vastly reduce dover the last year due to his conditions, Lee announced today that he has been forced to hang up his boots. And he singled out Hearts for special praise in an emotional statement.

It read: "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