Patrick McClean has announced his immediate retirement from football at the age of 26.
The Glentoran defender said it was a decision he had been "thinking about for a while" in a social media post calling time on his career on Sunday evening.
McClean, who also played for his hometown club Derry City as well as Sligo Rovers and Waterford, joined the Glens in July 2019 and signed a new long-term contract with the club in June last year.
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His decision to quit the game will come to a blow for the Oval outfit, who are still challenging for major honours this season and face Big Two rivals in the league on Tuesday night.
Speaking after signing the three-year deal McClean said: "Looking forward to going into the new season hungry for success and continuing a good relationship with the fans."
But eight months later the centre back has called time on his career, however he admitted it "wasn't an easy decision".
"I've decided to call it a day on my football career," McClean posted on Instagram.
"It's not been an easy decision but it has been one I've been thinking about for a while now.
"I've had a good journey and met some amazing people that will be friends for life and worked with some top players/coaches.
"Thank you to everyone who's been a part of it over n out."
McClean won the Irish Cup with Glentoran in 2020. His brother James plays in the EFL Championship with Wigan.
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