FORMER Braintree Town defender George Elokobi is to bring the curtain down on his impressive career after announcing his retirement from the game.

The 36-year-old is to bring to an end a playing career spanning nearly two decades.

The 2006 Colchester United promotion winner, who clocked up nearly 100 appearances for the U's in his two spells for the club, enjoyed a superb time as a player reaching the top level of the English game.

Elokobi has most recently been plying his trade with Maidstone United since 2019 and helped them clinch promotion from National League South this season.

He defender had been combining his playing duties with coaching and has now decided to call time on his impressive playing career.

 

In a statement on Twitter, Elokobi said: "After 19 years in this Beautiful Sport, the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank all the Managers that I have played under, I have learnt so much from each and everyone of you.

"I want to thank all the Backroom staff who has been part of the journey through the good and bad.

"A special thanks to those who has helped me come back when the odds were set against me.

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

"I want to thank all my team mates who I have played with. Without you I wouldn't have won 4 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 World wide.

"My fans, you have always been an amazing part of the journey because without you there is simply no game. I hope I done 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.

Braintree and Witham Times:

"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 generation to come.

"I hope my journey can inspire them to get all the way to the top through hardwork and dedication.

"This isn't goodbye it's the start of a new chapter #Chop".

Elokobi signed for Colchester from non-league outfit Dulwich Hamlet, in 2004.

Braintree and Witham Times:

He rose to prominence at the U's under Phil Parkinson and Geraint Williams before leaving to join Wolves, in 2008.

Elokobi who won both the Championship and League One titles during his six-year spell with Wolves and also played for Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Oldham Athletic, before re-joining the U's for a second spell in 2015.

The powerful defender went on to play for Braintree Town, Aldershot Town and Leyton Orient before joining Maidstone, where he finished his playing career.