Saunders joined Gillingham in 1998

The 34-year-old missed most of last season when he suffered a double fracture of the leg in August 2004.

Saunders has made seven appearances this season but has never fully shaken off the injury and decided to quit after consultation with his specialist.

"It is not that I cannot play football again - I am told if I lighten the load of training then my leg may get a little easier," Saunders said.

"It is not the sort of decision that can be taken lightly or on the spur of the moment. It is something that I have been thinking about for the last four of five weeks.

"I am not sure yet what I will do. I am just going to think about it for a couple of weeks.

"I am contracted here until the end of this month and I have told the gaffer that if he needs me I will make myself available.

"Welling United boss Ade Pennock has been on the phone already and obviously that is something I might look at but I will need to talk to the specialist again on that."

Saunders has been with Gillingham since 1998 and has made 206 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals.

He added: "I will take some good memories away from my time at the club and I will leave a happy person.

"I will see the chairman and shake his hand, thank him and wish him all the best.

"It will be sad to leave but all good things come to an end. I would like to thank all the supporters who have been good to me.

"They gave me a great reception when I came back against Yeovil and I will always remember that."