Motherwell captain Stephan Craigan has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 35-year old defender has rejected a one-year contract extension from the Well, saying that his decision was logical as his commitment had diminished in recent times.
"The manager offered me a one-year deal to stay and it wasn't out of sentiment as he felt I could still do a job.
"It was not a decision I took lightly but I tried to get rid of the emotional side and think logically about my future. I let my head rule my heart.
"My motivation has always been my attitude and work ethic and it had kind of waned in the last few months.
"I always said that unless I was 100 per cent committed I wouldn't do it because that wouldn't be fair on anyone.
"When I look at what Well have achieved in the last two seasons it can't get any better than that and it feels like it's the right time to get out.""It's been on my mind for the last few months. I didn't want to outstay my welcome playing wise," he said.
The Northern Ireland international, who was capped 54 times by his country, enjoyed an 18-year playing career which saw him notch up over 370 appearances for Motherwell as well as over 100 for Partick Thistle during a three-year stint there.
