Maidstone United manager George Elokobi not ruling out farewell appearance for departing winger Joan Luque and says door is open to train with the club next season

Joan Luque could yet make a farewell appearance for relegated Maidstone United.

Winger Luque revealed on Friday he would be leaving the Gallagher in the summer after learning he didn’t feature in new boss George Elokobi’s plans.

The Spaniard, sidelined with a knee injury since April last year, suggested on Twitter he might be able to play a small part in the final home game of the season against Notts County on April 22.

Elokobi wasn’t ruling anything out when the possibility was put to him on Saturday, saying: “We’ll have to see.”

He added: “Luque is a tremendous human being.

“He’s a fun human being to be around and he’s still here, he’s trying to get fit.

“I don’t know when he’s going to be fit but it’s our duty of care to make sure we try and get him fit and we’ll do our best.

“The medical team here will do their very hardest to make sure we keep following protocols to get him to that point where he feels strong enough to be out on the pitch, doing what he does best, which is taking on full-backs and scoring goals.”

The decision to release last season’s star man divided opinion among supporters.

That was always going to be the case after his brilliance in Maidstone’s National South title-winning campaign, during which he scored 22 goals from the left wing.

There was disbelief among many fans, while others pointed out the potential risk in offering a new contract to a 30-year-old who hasn’t played at all this season.

Elokobi understands the strength of feeling but has made what he believes to be the best decision for the club as he rebuilds for National South football.

The manager also says Luque, whose contract expires at the end of May, is welcome to train with Maidstone if he doesn’t have a new club come next