Calvo-Garcia to call it a day

The 31-year-old is the longest serving player in the Scunthorpe squad and has decided to call time on his football career and return to his native Spain when his contract is up in May.

The popular Spaniard scored the only goal at Wembley in their play-off victory that took United back in to the Second Division four years ago against Leyton Orient and is a fan favourite at the Third Division side.

Garcia said: "To be honest I took the decision when I signed my last contract. I knew in my head then that was going to be my last deal with Scunthorpe.

"I have been in England now for seven years and it will be eight by next summer. I feel it will be time then for me to stop playing and go back to live in Spain.

"I have had a great time in England, but there comes a time when you have to think about going home again and that is the decision I have made.

"I don't want to stop playing football when I am fed up. I always said to my wife that I would quit while I was still enjoying playing and that will be the case.

"I have no doubts that the last seven years have been the most important period in my life, not just professionally but privately as well."

Calvo-Garcia signed in 1996 after being released by Spanish outfit Eibar and went on to make over 200 league appearances, scoring more than 40 goals for Brian Laws's side, but now the midfielder says he is aiming to finish his degree in Information Technology back home and put it to good use.

"I will finish my degree in IT and would like to get a job in that industry," he added. "Running my own business is my long term aim but I know I must get a job and some experience first.

"I have a lot of different plans though and so many ideas. I have plenty of time to decide what I want to do."