Maidstone United club captain George Elokobi has announced his retirement at the age of 36.

The popular defender will bow out with a winners’ medal when the Stones are presented with the National South title after the final game of the season against Hampton & Richmond this Saturday.

Elokobi made his name at Wolves, where he won promotion to the Premier League under Mick McCarthy.

The Cameroonian also played for Nottingham Forest, Bristol City, Colchester and Oldham in the Football League, as well as Dulwich Hamlet, Leyton Orient, Aldershot and Braintree in non-league.

Elokobi has been considering his future after a lengthy spell on the sidelines this season.

He suffered a groin injury in October and has played just once in the league since, making a second-half appearance as a substitute in a 4-0 win at Hemel Hempstead at the end of last month.

“After 19 years in this beautiful sport, the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots,” said Elokobi.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all the managers that I have played under, I have learnt so much from each an every one of you.

“I want to thank all the backroom staff who have been part of the journey through the good and bad.

“A special thanks to those who helped me come back when the odds were set against me (after serious injuries at Wolves).

“I won't start naming names because the list will be too long.

“I want to thank all my team mates who l have played with.

“Without you I wouldn't have won four promotions in my playing career, played at all the levels in the English Football Leagues and also had international call-ups from Cameroon.

“The biggest thank you to all my supporters in the UK and worldwide.

“My fans, you have always been an amazing part of the journey because without you there is simply no game. I hope I did you all proud

“Finally I want to thank my whole family and friends who has seen the ups and stuck with me through the downs.

“Thank you for always being there no matter what.

“Your support for anything I do just make things so much easier.

“As I embark on the next chapter of my career, my plan is to share my knowledge and know-how to the future generations to come.

“I hope my journey can inspire them to get all the way to the top through hard work and dedication.

“This isn't goodbye, it's the start of a new chapter.”