MK DONS boss Russell Martin revealed Cherries great Andrew Surman is set to retire from football.

The manager of the League One outfit said how he offered central midfielder Surman a new contract but revealed “it's the decision he's made but we totally respect it”.

Surman, 34, spent part of the 2005-06 campaign at Cherries on loan before joining again from Norwich City in 2013.

The midfielder made 226 appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals and helping pilot Eddie Howe’s side to the Premier League for the first time in their history.

Surman played 34 times for MK Dons last season, becoming a key man for Martin’s side.

Speaking to the MK Citizen about Surman’s future, the manager said: “I've been trying to delay it in the hope he changes his mind, but I think he's probably going to stop playing.

"It was between playing with us or stopping. He was ready to stop before he came to us, and enjoyed playing with us so much, he was so interested in the project and loved it, but when you get to a certain age, there are more important things than football.

"You have to compromise and sacrifice a lot with your family to play football, it means a lot of time away, decisions you make are impacted by the games you play.

“And we're a long way from his family too. Unfortunately for us, it's the decision he's made but we totally respect it.”

Martin’s comments mean Surman is not set to feature when Milton Keynes make the trip to Cherries in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday, July 31.

"We're really happy with what we've got in midfield,” said Martin.

“We got Ethan Robson in because we thoughts Surs would leave. He did brilliantly and we'd have loved to have him. If I see him pop up somewhere else, I'll be giving him a call!"