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Leicestershire wicketkeeper Paul Nixon has announced he will retire from cricket after Saturday's FL Twenty20 quarter-final against Kent.
The former Kent and England player, who made his first-class debut in 1989, won two County Champioships with Leicestershire and two T20 titles.
"My body knows now. I can't do it the way I want to do it anymore; the way I've always done it," the 40-year-old said.
"I cannot keep up to those high standards anymore.
"All of my mentors said to me that you'll know when the time is right and the time has come. I've thought about it for a few months now and am at ease with it. It's time for the youngsters to have their journeys now.
"I've met some amazing people along the way and have some special memories. I've loved every ball on the pitch and every moment I've been involved in off the pitch too. It's a very special life and I've made sure that I've never taken it for granted."
Nixon began his career with the Foxes and helped them to County Championship trophies in 1996 and 1998 before he joined Kent for two seasons in 2000.
He was a surprise call-up to the England squad for the 2006/07 ODI series against Australia when 37-years-old but impressed and held on to his place for the World Cup.
"I've had a very special journey over the years and I've always been thankful to Ken Higgs and Mike Turner for signing me for Leicestershire in 1988," Nixon continued.
"The Leicester public has been absolutely phenomenal towards me and I want to thank them for all of their support. I want to thank them for all of the letters they've sent and all of the good luck messages as I've walked onto the pitch."
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