In a career spanning nearly two decades in England, it was fitting that Shaun Goater hung up his boots in the only way he knows how ? as a winner.

On Saturday, more than 11,000 fans at Roots Hall, Essex, saw ?The Goat? bid a tearful farewell to the game in what he described as the highlight of his career ? helping Southend United lift the League One Championship in his final match, coincidentally against Bristol City, one of his former clubs.

The talismanic striker was feted by Shrimpers supporters as well as those who travelled from Bristol and more than 100 from Manchester City ? where he arguably made the biggest impact.

On what was declared ?Bermuda Bonanza Day? by the club, friends and family from his homeland, including the Gombeys dance troupe who were flown in specially, also shared in the celebrations.

The 1-0 victory over the Robins, secured after Goater had left the pitch in the 83rd minute to a standing ovation, ensured Southend finished the season on top of the table after sealing promotion to English football?s second tier, The Championship, the previous week.

When the number nine board went up for the final time and Goater was replaced by goalscorer Wayne Gray, the crowd stood to a man in one of the warmest and most heartfelt ovations ever seen.

It took an age for the 36-year-old to leave the pitch as he stopped every few steps to shake the hands of both his team-mates and the opposition, referee Kevin Stroud happy to bring the game to a halt so the player could savour the moment.

After wiping tears from his eyes as he embraced Gray and saluted the crowd, Goater took his place in the dug-out and removed his boots one last time.

?Initially, I didn?t realise I was being substituted,? he said afterwards. ?I wanted to stay on because I know you don?t get moments like this again. I know that?s the end for me in terms of playing at this level. I wanted to play every moment, but the standing ovation I got from the fans was absolutely brilliant.?

After the final whistle, Goater joined his team-mates on a lap of honour led by the Gombeys, who danced an impromptu jig around the tearful Bermudian.

?It seemed like every time I walked ten yards I was in more tears. I thought I was never going to get round, I was all teared out,? he said.

?When I came to where the Manchester City fans were I saw the same passion I saw when I was there (at Maine Road). Seeing the Bristol City fans as well . . . it was really emotional for me.

?I will never forget it ? this is the highlight of my career.?

Ironically, if it hadn?t been for the persistence of Southend boss Steve Tilson and club chairman Ron Martin, Goater might have returned home 12 months earlier.

Having seen a move from Manchester City to Championship side Reading turn sour he was considering calling it quits at the end of last season. But after Southend made it clear how much they wanted him he decided to put retirement on hold and give it one last shot.

?I wasn?t playing (at Reading) and it makes you feel like (quitting) when you are not involved,? Goater said.

?But the gaffer was persistent in wanting to get me here, as well as the chairman. The chairman just kept calling me. Within one day he called me about four times and I was thinking he must really want me here.

?As it turned out, I couldn?t have come to a better place. It was the perfect setting for me. The kids were hungry, they pushed me, they had the desire, the work ethic to strive to do better and it was best environment for me.

?It was important that I didn?t just rest on my laurels and see the season through. They pushed me and I enjoyed every minute of it.?

Goater?s boss Tilson was fulsome in his praise of his now former centre-forward, who finished the season with 11 goals to his credit.

?I have only known him this year and I think he is an absolute model professional, on and off the field,? he said.

?He is an ambassador for football and I have never met a nicer bloke in the game.

?He is never a problem, I have never had any qualms with him and as I say I can?t speak highly enough of him.

?It was great for him to go out like he did. That was the only reason I brought him off today, to give him the applause his career has deserved. What a fantastic ovation he got. He had tears in his eyes and it was clearly an emotional moment for him ? what a way to go out.?

Looking back on a career that saw him snapped up by Manchester United before going on to play for Rotherham, Bristol City, Manchester City, Reading and Southend, Goater said he could not have envisaged the impact he would have had on the game when he was turning out as a youngster for North Village back in Bermuda.

?I wanted to play at the highest level and leave a mark whereby people would say ?Shaun Goater?s not a bad player?,? he said.

?To get the respect I have gotten from the fans of not only the teams I have played for but the opposition as well is truly great.?

As for the future, Goater said he would always be involved in football, one way or another.

?The reason I have been crying is because I love the game ? this is me,? said the player whose autobiography is due out this year.

?I will get involved in football in Bermuda and look to develop kids and bring them across.

?Football is my life.?