Matt said: "It has been an increasing trend over the last three years with one niggling injury after another. I could not face another season like this one. I have not been able to get a run of games even at reserve team level, so that has left me unable to prove my form and fitness to earn a new contract. Even if the club offered me one through sentimental reasons, I could not take money under false pretences.
"If I thought I could play on at my best then that would be different, but my body is not so much giving me hints as screaming at me. And I would hate another season like this one where I spend my whole time desperately trying to get fit and then breaking down as soon as I play.
"Besides, it is playing havoc with my golf."
Rupert Lowe responded to the news, saying: "It was entirely Matt's decision and we wish him well whatever he does in the future."
Hopefully Matt's future will involve a bit of coaching so that he can show today's youngsters some of those mercurial skills which made him one of his generations great players. In the meantime he will function in an ambassadorial role for the club which should make good use of his great sense of humour and his media skills.
Matt's testimonial will be on May 14th so expect a full house to celebrate Matt's outstanding contribution to Southampton Football Club. Le Tissier is hoping to participate saying: "It should be a great night and a very emotional occasion and I am desperate to be properly fit for that. I want to thank the fans for their support over the years."
On retiring the number seven shirt in tribute to Le Tissier's contribution, chairman Rupert Lowe had been considering it, but Le Tissier want the number to belong to someone else next season. Lowe had said: ''This is something we are actively considering. There have been calls from some of our supporters to retire the shirt and there is no doubt that it would be deserved in many respects for the way he almost single-handedly kept us in the Premiership in the mid-90s.
''Matt has the rare distinction of being a legend while still an active player and it is a tragedy that he has had to retire at an age when he might have been seen to be in his prime.''
However Le Tissier insisted that the shirt become someone else's in the hope that they could bring as much to the club while wearing it. Le God tpld the official Saints website: "I am flattered that the supporters feel that way but I don't think it is appropriate. I don't know who will have that shirt next season but I hope they enjoy as much success as I had. I have no preference about who should get it but I would like it to be a goalscorer. I am looking forward to sitting in the stand and watching the new Number 7 entertaining the crowd.
"Of course I will miss playing but in truth I have not played that much for the past few seasons. I certainly won't miss the constant slog to try and get fit when my body is telling me it has had enough.
"My real regret is that I did not manage to score a Premiership goal at the new stadium. That would have meant a lot to me but I will always treasure the final goal at The Dell.
"In hindsight that would have been the perfect way to bow out but I really hoped I could get fit to perform at the new ground and the testimonial will be a good swansong."
"The club have been very accommodating and helpful and I am very grateful to the chairman and staff for all the support I have received. It should be a special occasion.
"It will be a chance for me to thank the fans who have been superb to me. I have loved playing for them and I hope they treasure the memories as much as I do."