Never mind a team of Scott Parkers, Fulham chairman Shahid Khan would quite like the rest of the world to be more like the former Charlton Athletic, West Ham, Newcastle United and Chelsea midfielder.

The Cottagers' chief posted a heartfelt message of thanks to the Fulham midfielder, whose contract officially runs out tonight, on Twitter shortly after Parker announced his impending retirement from the professional game.

Khan explained that Parker, who spent the last four years of his career at Fulham, making more than 100 appearances, was an example of how a person should conduct themselves, both on and off the pitch.

He went on to thank the midfielder for his "influence" at Craven Cottage and add that he will always support Parker, wherever his career takes him next.

The statement reads: "My advice to people in football, and for that matter everyone beyond the game, is to watch how Scott Parker conducts himself in training, on the pitch, around his team-mates and in the community.

"If you can aspire to the standards of Scott Parker, you'll have a promising future in whatever it is you want to do in life.

"I'll always be grateful for the influence he had on our people and club operations throughout his four seasons at Fulham, and I will cheer him and his family on in whatever adventure they choose next.

"Scott's a winner and will always be a friend of Fulham Football Club."

It comes after the 36-year-old former England international announced his decision to retire on Wednesday.

"I believe now is the right time to move on to the next chapter in my life and career," Parker said in a statement.

"I feel incredibly honoured and proud to have enjoyed the career that I have and I've loved every moment of it."