Stan Collymore's career found its final resting place in Oviedo yesterday when he announced his shock retirement from football at the age of 30.

Collymore's decision caught his sport unawares and left those who guided him as best they could through a tempestuous 11 years as a professional claiming his premature departure has closed the door on a major unfulfilled talent.

The former England forward joined Spanish club Real Oviedo on January 31 this year after a brief and unhappy spell with Bradford.

But it was not only the Spanish club who were left struggling to come to terms with what is apparently Collymore's final footballing act.

The likes of Barry Fry, the man who nurtured Collymore in his formative years at Southend, were also spluttering in disbelief and disappointment at his retirement.

A statement issued by the player's spokesman Ian Monk said: ''Stan Collymore has decided, after discussions with his family and close friends, to give up playing professional football.

''He has just turned 30 and believes that the time is right to explore other career opportunities which are available to him.

''He also wants to spend as much time as possible with his family, in particular his son Thomas and his fiancee Estelle.

''Stan will always be grateful to the many people in football who have helped and supported him throughout his career.

''The president of Oviedo has been told and he has told his team. They respect Stan's decision and wish him well for the future. They have very positive thoughts towards him.''

It was with Southend that Collymore made his name as a striker. He then had several successful seasons with Nottingham Forest before joining Liverpool in 1995 for a then British transfer record of £8.5m.

When his Anfield career turned sour Brian Little took him to Aston Villa for £7m in May 1997.

But Collymore could not kickstart his career with Villa and, after a spell when he received counselling for depression, he was sold by new manager John Gregory to Leicester last year.

Collymore made an impressive start for Leicester under Martin O'Neill but lost his way and was sold to Bradford in October of last year by O'Neill's successor Peter Taylor, before heading for a fresh start in Spain.

Despite his waywardness Collymore was undoubtedly one of that rare breed of player who had the fans on the edge of their seats, anticipating something marvellous, whenever he was in possession.

That is how Fry remembers him in the maverick striker's purest form at a time when he brought with him no complications, no baggage and no spotlight.

That was Collymore aged 21, the £525-a-week Shrimper who helped Fry keep Southend in Division One in 1992-93.

The man who is now Peterborough boss had only arrived at Roots Hall in April and the club were doomed, or so everyone thought. But Collymore made a hero of himself and his manager.

Fry said: ''It wasn't the best contract in the world but Stan played with a smile on his face. He was awesome. He would get the ball with his back to goal, turn and beat opponents with his pace, power and skill and smack the ball into the net, with no backlift, from 25 yards with his right foot and 30 yards with his left.''

It was a beginning that promised great things, but nine years and seven destinations on it is all over.

Oviedo, Collymore's last port of call, believed he was going back to Britain yesterday to sort out some personal arrangements. He did. Now he will spend time with his family.

Collymore claimed just three England caps despite his amazing return of 41 goals in just 65 league games for Forest and 26 in the top flight for Liverpool in 61 appearances. Perhaps the ignominy of being told he was in no shape to play for Oviedo recently by coach Raddy Antic was the last straw.

Collymore's arrival at Oviedo coincided with a slump in the Spanish side's form, but despite that president Eugenio Prieto was still full of praise for the former England striker. ''The only thing we can do is wish him all the help in the world in sorting out his problems,'' he said.

''We hope to come to some agreement as regards to his contract details. We think its a great shame to lose such a talented player after such a short space of time.''

Leicester manager Taylor claimed Collymore could have achieved far more than he did in the game.

Taylor released Collymore in October to join Bradford after questioning his commitment and desire to play for the Foxes.

Taylor said: ''Stan had the potential to be one of the best centre-forwards in England. He was capable of being the best - but you've got to want to be the best.

''Stan still had a decent career but it could have been so much better.

''He should have won a lot of England caps, a lot more, but this game is so hard and if you are not 100 per cent for it then it is very hard.