Le Tissier to retire

Le Tissier has waged a persistent battle against injury during the past couple of campaigns and has decided to curtail his glittering career after his testimonial against an England XI in May.

The 33-year-old has been idolised on the South Coast for his ingenuity during a Saints career spanning 17 years and admits he was bowing to the inevitable in retiring from the game.

"In the end it was not a hard decision," Le Tissier told the club's official website. "I have been tending more and more towards this over recent months. It has been a terribly frustrating time.

"I have not been able to get a run of games even at reserve level so that has left me unable to prove my form and fitness to earn a new contract.

"Even if the club offered me one through 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.

"It is a sad day but I feel better now I have finally made the decision. I have had 17 great years with the club and have some very special memories but now I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life."

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe was equally saddened by the decision of one of the club's greatest-ever players.

Lowe said: "Matt has been a great servant to the club and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all he has done for the club and for the pleasure he has brought to the fans.

"It is a sad day in many ways. We would all love to have seen Matt get back to the sparkling form he showed during his peak but it has not happened for him."

Le Tissier has made 462 appearances for Southampton, scoring 209 goals, a large proportion of which have been spectacular strikes.

While he may be stopping playing for The Saints, he will not be leaving the club completely as he will work as something of an ambassador for Southampton, as a match-day entertainer for guests in the executive lounges.