Charlton striker Clive Mendonca has been forced to quit football after expert medical advice warned him that any operation on his injured hip could leave him with permanent damage and possible disability.

Mendonca scored a hat-trick in the 1998 play-off game against Sunderland at Wembley.

The 33-year-old has not played for the first team since December 1999, but he had a super strike-rate of 45 goals in 96 matches for Charlton after joining the club from Grimsby for what was then a club record fee of £700,000.

Mendonca's 28 goals in his first season laid the foundation for Charlton's promotion push to the Premiership.

He said: "My time at Charlton has been the highlight of my career and I would particularly like to thank the fans for the reception they have always given me.

"I'm bitterly disappointed, but Charlton will always have a special place in my affections."

Manager Alan Curbishley said: "This is a sad time for Clive, but his contribution in helping Charlton to where we are now will never by forgotten by any of us.

"I hope that before the end of the season there will be a chance for the fans to show their full appreciation to one of the club's greatest ever players."