Lennon fulfilled a boyhood dream to play for and captain Celtic

The 35-year-old midfielder, who celebrated his fifth championship success at the weekend, is expected to continue playing, his agent has said.

Lennon said: "It will be a real wrench to leave, but I have thought long and hard about this decision and believe that it is the right one."

His final game will be the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline on 26 May and a future job in coaching is possible.

"Neil's priority at the moment is to continue playing and I believe he has a lot still to offer in that capacity," said the player's agent Martin Reilly.

Lennon, whose contract expires in the summer, has enjoyed a colourful career in Scotland since Martin O'Neill signed him from Leicester City in December 2000 for �5.75m.

And the former Northern Ireland international has been the protective shield in midfield during an era of sustained success for the Glasgow club.

It was a boyhood dream to play for the club I loved - I am very proud to have achieved this and played for Celtic for so many years Celtic captain Neil Lennon

Lennon told Celtic's official website: "I feel it is right to go out on a high and given that we have just secured the league title for the second year running, I believe that this is the best decision at the best time."

Lennon made his 300th appearance for Celtic in the 2-1 win at Kilmarnock on Sunday which clinched a second successive league title.

During his six-and-half years at the club the Northern Irishman won five Scottish Premier League titles, three Scottish Cups, with a fourth still to play for, and two CIS Cups.

Lennon continued: "I have enjoyed my time at the club immensely.

"I have worked with two fantastic managers in Gordon Strachan and Martin O'Neill, enjoyed working with some quality players and had a great relationship with the Celtic board and all the staff at the club.

"I would also like to thank the Celtic fans for their support.

Martin O'Neill signed Lennon from Leicester City in December 2000

I have enjoyed a good relationship with supporters and sincerely appreciate the backing which they have given me over a number of years.

"This season has been particularly pleasing, having won the Championship, making the Scottish Cup final and obviously getting to the last 16 in the Champions League.

Lennon was appointed skipper when Gordon Strachan came to the club in 2005 and has relished the role.

"It was a boyhood dream to play for the club I loved - I am very proud to have achieved this and played for Celtic for so many years and clearly, when Gordon Strachan made me captain of the club I was, of course, extremely honoured.

"I look forward to joining my team-mates and the manager in lifting the SPL trophy on Sunday. Great credit should go to the manager and his staff for all they have done over the past two years.

"We still have a good bit to do before the end of the season and I will be doing all I can to make sure we bring the Scottish Cup back to Celtic Park."

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Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said: "Neil has been a tremendous asset to Celtic and a great help to me since I came to the club.

"He is a true competitor and has always been a good team-mate, which I'm sure every player here now, or who has played alongside him in the past would confirm.

"We fully respect his decision and I understand fully that he feels the end of the season is the right time to leave the club.

"Neil is proud of his achievements at the club, and rightly so, and very proud to be captain of Celtic.

"He has been vital to our success, winning two league championships in a row and the CIS Cup, as well as reaching this season's Scottish Cup final.

"And to captain Celtic as the club reached the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time was also a tremendous achievement.

"I would like to thank Neil, on a personal level for being a great captain and indeed a friend, through some difficult moments.

"On behalf of all the coaches and backroom staff here I would also like to thank him for everything he's done for Celtic, and we wish him every success for the future."