July 21, 2008 15:42

Robbie Williams pulls out of charity football match

Singer 'gutted' dodgy knee is stopping him from playing

Robbie Williams has pulled out of a celebrity charity football match as he is suffering from a knee injury.

The former Take That member set up Soccer Aid, an all-star celebrity soccer match that raises money for Unicef, with his friend Jonathan Wilkes but Williams has now said they will have to find a new skipper.

Williams said: "Being able to help so many people through Soccer Aid was one of the true highlights of my life. I'm gutted that this time round my knee isn't up to it so unfortunately I'm out of the game."

Speaking to ITN.co.uk he added: "But I hope that everyone involved has the time of their life like I did, and raises loads of money for Unicef and the best side wins."

The last Soccer Aid was held at Old Trafford in 2006 and saw Diego Maradona and Paul Gascoigne grace the pitch.

This year's event, taking place September 7 at Wembley Stadium, will see Gareth Gates and Nicky Byrne from Westlife join footballing legends Jamie Redknapp and Alan Shearer on the pitch.

It is not yet decided who will take Williams' place.