Ebbsfleet United captain Jack King has announced his retirement.

The 34-year-old declared his football career over on social media following two seasons with Fleet in the National League.

King signed for Fleet in June 2018, under former boss boss Daryl McMahon, and went onto make 69 appearances in the league over the last two years.

His previous clubs include Woking, Preston North End, Scunthorpe and Stevenage.

But he declared on Monday: “That’s a wrap! I’ve decided to hang up my boots.

“Just want to say thanks to all my team mates, staff, friends and family that have helped me over the years.

“Racked up over 700 games and a good few promotions, but more importantly I’ve made some great friends along the way.”

He added: “Football. It’s been a pleasure.”

The timing was right for King as is to take over his father's groundworks business.

He told the club website: “My dad’s not getting any younger and I’ve got responsibilities within the business so I just felt the time was right to stop playing full-time football and concentrate more on setting up my future, especially now with the current situation and uncertainty.

“I’ve had a bad knee for a few years and I’ve been carrying that through for quite a long time although in the end injuries have not really affected my playing or this decision.

"I’m 35 in August and I had a two-year contract with Ebbsfleet which was coming to an end. I talked to Kevin [Watson] and a few friends in football and they say to play as long as you can because you’re a long time retired. I’ve been round the leagues and that takes a toll into your thirties.”

Fleet boss Watson described his captain as "an absolute gentleman, a leader and a responsible voice for the players. He was a proper captain and a leader of men."

Watson attempted to change his mind, but said: "“I’ve nothing but respect for what he did in my time here. He always gave 100% and you knew you were going to get that 100% out of him."

Fleet’s season is over after the team’s voted to cancel all remaining fixtures. Most players at that level are only contracted until the end of April.

Now it’s a waiting game for Fleet, as a decision is to be made on promotion or relegation issues. If the season is ended on average points per game then Fleet would drop a place into the bottom three, relegating them into the National South.

More: Waiting game for Fleet