Montreal Alouettes defensive tackle Steve Charbonneau is retiring after 11 seasons in the Canadian Football League.

"I have had a lot of fun throughout my football career but, at 34, I think it's time for me to move on," Charbonneau said Wednesday.

Steve Charbonneau celebrates with the Grey Cup following Edmonton's win over Montreal in 2005.
(Ryan Remoirz/ Canadian Press)

His career was cut short by a serious illness that benched him last season.

"My biggest disappointment is not to have won a Grey Cup in Montreal," he said when he met reporters at the Alouettes' office in the Olympic Stadium.

Montreal will host the CFL championship at "Big O" in November.

"I wish I had the health to play last year as well, to finish up my career in Montreal wearing the uniform, instead of spending the last year at home being sick," Charbonneau said with his wife, former Olympic speedskater Isabelle Charest, by his side.

Charbonneau was diagnosed with a gastro-intestinal virus and the sickness made him lose a lot of weight.

Doctors have told him his health is good, but the one-time 295-pounder said he doesn't plan to go back to being a heavyweight.

"My goal is not to weigh 290 pounds, it's just to keep in shape," Charbonneau said.

A native of Cowansville, Que., Charbonneau began his career with the Alouettes in 1997 and he spent five years in Montreal. The New Hampshire University graduate was released by the Alouettes in 2002 after he refused to take a pay cut and joined the Eskimos the same year.

Charbonneau was part of the Edmonton team that defeated Montreal in the 2003 Grey Cup.

Injuries limited Charbonneau in 2004, but the six-foot-five lineman bounced back to help the Eskimos beat Montreal in a thrilling 38-35 overtime game in the 2005 Grey Cup victory.

He played in Edmonton for two more years before rejoining the Alouettes.

Charbonneau is well known in Montreal for his work with the Als' community programs and is president of Stak Fitness, a company that retails workout equipment. He also owns Energie Cardio gym with his wife.

"We want to thank Steve for his contribution not only on the field but also in the community," said team president Larry Smith.

"Steve is part of this group of players who contributed to the rebirth of football in Montreal and in Quebec through relentless efforts and his warm personality.

"We wish him the best of luck in his post-career and hope he will continue his community involvement through our alumni program."

With files from the Canadian Press