CALGARY — National offensive lineman Pierre Lavertu has announced his retirement after four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, the team announced Monday.

Lavertu was a West Division all-star in 2015 but injuries limited him to eight games in 2016 and he was sidelined for the entire 2017 season because of a high ankle sprain.

“I worked hard to return to the field but after consulting with doctors, it was determined that it would not be possible for me to get healthy enough to perform at the level that I expect of myself,” said Lavertu. “It’s a difficult decision for me to stop playing the game I love, but I will always be a Stampeder.”

Lavertu played 41 career regular-season games and three post-season contests for the Stamps and was a member of Calgary’s Grey Cup-winning team in 2014. The Quebec City native was the first overall selection in the 2014 draft after a distinguished career at the Universite de Laval that saw him earn conference all-star honours four times and all-Canadian honours on three occasions.

“Pierre was a force on the offensive line for us when he was on the field and it’s very unfortunate that injuries have cut his career short,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “I thank him for his efforts over the past four years and wish him the best in the future.”

Added Lavertu: “I thank the team for believing in me and giving me a chance to play for the best organization and the best fans in the CFL. I especially want to thank Coach Dickenson and Coach DelMonaco for everything they have done for me over the years.

“I also want to say thank you to all of my teammates and wish all of them the best for the upcoming season and beyond.”