Balis quits Baggies

The 33-year-old has taken the decision to quit The Hawthorns on medical grounds.

The news comes as a major surprise as The Baggies had been fighting to win a new work permit for the Slovakian international.

Balis has suffered a recurrence of tinnitus, a condition which causes constant ringing in the ears, and the full back believes the illness would not have allowed him to sustain the rigours of English football.

Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace paid tribute to Balis for his service to the club over the past two-and-a-half years.

"Igor feels he couldn't give 120 percent for the club while he has this problem. Only 70 percent, which he isn't happy with," Peace told the club's official website.

"With this in mind, he has decided to retire from English football and return to Slovakia.

"It's really sad to see him go. Igor has been a great servant to the club."

West Brom are still awaiting the outcome over their appeal regarding a work permit for Artim Sakiri.