Matt Bentley has played his final game for Maidstone after announcing a return to America.

The forward, who studied economics at university in the States, is going back to complete a master’s degree.

He has a new club waiting for him after securing a move to Chattanooga Red Wolves, who play in USL League 1.

He previously played for Richmond Kickers in the same division.

Bentley marked his last appearance for Maidstone by scoring the clinching third goal in a 3-1 success at Tonbridge on Boxing Day.

“That was my last game for Maidstone,” said Bentley, 26.

“I’m about to go back to the United States.

“I was offered a deal out there and it’s an opportunity to go back to the league that I was playing in before.

“It comes with a scholarship to do my master’s degree as well, so it was a good opportunity.

“For life after football, it’s something quite important to me, thinking about the long-term future.

“It’s sad to be leaving Maidstone but I’m looking forward to going back to America.”

Bentley spoke to Maidstone boss George Elokobi about his plans, although the players only discovered he was going after the Tonbridge game.

He’ll be leaving his address in the hope of receiving a National League South title medal.

“For me, it couldn’t have ended better,” said Bentley.

“It ended with a goal and all I want now is to be sent the league winners medal in the post.

“I’ve got to leave my address and make sure it’s sent otherwise I’ll be getting on to the gaffer and the boys.

“That’s what I’ve said to the boys, I want you to go on and win it.

“It was a surprise to the boys that I was leaving.

“The gaffer told them at the end of the game and they were buzzing for me, to be fair.

“They wished me the best of luck and I want them to do as well as possible, I want them to win the league.

“It’s just a nice way to end it. As long as we have the medal, that’s all that matters.”

Bentley signed off in style with a neat finish against Tonbridge from Aaron Blair’s lay-off.

He came on as part of a triple change midway through the second half, with the derby level at 1-1.

“I was buzzing with the goal,” said Bentley, who joined Maidstone in March.

“Azza held the ball up really well and he put me in and it was just at an angle where I could bend it into the far corner.

“I’ve been working on that finish in training, doing extras, and I’m glad it paid off with the goal.

“The way Azza was positioned, he left the far corner open so it was easy to guide it in there.

“Coming on, you just want to impact the game, win your first challenge and I felt I did that.

“The subs all made a positive impact and after the substitutions we scored two goals.

“It’s such a competitive team, everyone wants to play, so when you come on, you’ve got to do your bit.

“It’s good competition where everyone’s happy for each other but everyone wants to play as well.

“Training’s really competitive, extras after training is very competitive, too, and that’s what will lead us to be a very successful team.

“It’s a team at the end of the day and when everyone gets their opportunity it’s up to them to take it.”

Bentley follows loanees Antony Papadopoulos and Matt Rush in leaving the Gallagher Stadium in the past 24 hours.

Papadopoulos is back with parent club Crawley, while Rush was recalled by Sutton and sold to Boreham Wood.