Mendonca forced to retire

Hat-trick hero
Mendonca, who has not played in the London club's first team since December 1999 due to a persistent hip injury, will be best remembered for his hat-trick in the club’s 1998 first division play-off final win over Sunderland.

Special place
"My time at Charlton has been the highlight of my career," said Mendoca on the club's official website. "I am bitterly disappointed that I will no longer have the opportunity to play a part in the future success of the club but Charlton will always have a special place in my affections."

Impressive record
After joining Charlton for a then club-record fee of €1.15m in 1997, Mendonca played 96 times for the London club, ending his spell with an impressive 45 goals. Manager Alan Curbishley said: "This is a sad day for everyone at Charlton, as well as Clive, but his unique contribution to where the club is today will never be forgotten by any of us here."