Glentoran FC says it will retain Patrick McClean's registration for the remainder of his contract as the club confirmed the defender's exit from The Oval.
The 26-year-old stunned Irish league followers as he announced his decision to quit the game with immediate effect in a social media post on Sunday evening.
McClean said it was a something he had been "thinking about for a while", however he admitted it "wasn't an easy decision".
Read next: Patrick McClean retirement stunner a huge blow to Glentoran
The former Derry City centre-back only signed a new three-year deal with the Glens last summer and while thanking McClean for his contribution to the club over the past three-and-a-half years said they would retain the player's registration for the remainder of that deal.
A statement released on the official Glentoran FC Twitter page read: "Patrick McClean has informed the club of his desire to pursue other avenues outside of football.
"Our players, staff and directors would like to thank Patrick for his contribution to Glentoran.
"GFC will retain Patrick's registration for the remainder of his contract."
McClean made 142 appearance for the Glens and won the Irish Cup with them in 2020.
Glentoran face Big Two rivals Linfield at The Oval tonight in a crucial game in the Irish League.
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