Mark
Mar 29 2002, 12:29 PM
Southampton legend Matthew Le Tissier has announced his retirement after 16 years at the south coast club.
The Guernsey-born midfielder swiftly established himself as a hero with the Saints thanks to his dazzling natural ability and knack for scoring spectacular goals.
Le Tissier, who was capped nine times by England, will retire after his testimonial game at St Mary's Stadium on May 14.
The 33-year-old has struggled with a succession of niggling injuries over the season, and limped out of a succession of reserve games as he attempted to make a comeback.
He informed chairman Rupert Lowe of his decision to retire, although he is set to stay at Saints in an ambassadorial role.
The news will come as a huge blow to the club's fans, who dubbed Le Tissier 'Le God' and watched him score 209 goals in 462 appearances.
Le Tissier, whose contract expires at the end of the season, said: 'In the end it was not a hard decision. I have been tending more and more towards this over recent months. It has been terribly frustrating at times.
'It has been an increasing trend over the last three years, with one niggling injury after another. I could not face another season like this one.
'Even if the club offered me a contract for sentimental reasons I could not take money under false pretences. ``If I thought I could play on at my best then that would be different - but my body is not so much giving me hints as screaming at me.'
Le Tissier scored Southmpton's last-ever goal at their former Dell home, netting a spectacular last-minute volley against Arsenal on the final day of last season.
The Guernsey-born midfielder swiftly established himself as a hero with the Saints thanks to his dazzling natural ability and knack for scoring spectacular goals.
Le Tissier, who was capped nine times by England, will retire after his testimonial game at St Mary's Stadium on May 14.
The 33-year-old has struggled with a succession of niggling injuries over the season, and limped out of a succession of reserve games as he attempted to make a comeback.
He informed chairman Rupert Lowe of his decision to retire, although he is set to stay at Saints in an ambassadorial role.
The news will come as a huge blow to the club's fans, who dubbed Le Tissier 'Le God' and watched him score 209 goals in 462 appearances.
Le Tissier, whose contract expires at the end of the season, said: 'In the end it was not a hard decision. I have been tending more and more towards this over recent months. It has been terribly frustrating at times.
'It has been an increasing trend over the last three years, with one niggling injury after another. I could not face another season like this one.
'Even if the club offered me a contract for sentimental reasons I could not take money under false pretences. ``If I thought I could play on at my best then that would be different - but my body is not so much giving me hints as screaming at me.'
Le Tissier scored Southmpton's last-ever goal at their former Dell home, netting a spectacular last-minute volley against Arsenal on the final day of last season.