Former Essendon star Brendon Goddard says he will “always” cheer on the Bombers after publicly announcing his retirement on Thursday.

Goddard was delisted by the club at the end of the 2018 season, but he returned to The Hangar on Friday after it was revealed the former captain would receive Life Membership from the club at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

The 33-year-old, who will be given the honour under "exceptional circumstances" for his incredible leadership at Essendon, said he was surprised when club CEO Xavier Campbell announced the news at a special dinner on Wednesday night.

The gathering brought together a variety of people from Goddard’s footballing life including a number of representatives from Essendon, and the veteran admitted to getting emotional after hearing the news.

“It was during the dinner on Wednesday night and there were a few words being said from a number of people and Xavier got up and spoke on behalf of the club,” Goddard said on Friday.

“I thought it was just a recognition and a bit of a speech on behalf of the club and it quickly turned into a presentation.

“It’s not something you’d expect or ever think about, particularly because life memberships are given through contribution and categories qualified for.

“I didn’t even know the rule existed that under unique circumstances they can make that decision, so it was something that never crossed my mind. I’m extremely honoured and privileged and, to be honest, I was a bit taken aback.”

Goddard will be joined by former teammates Michael Hurley and Dyson Heppell at the AGM, with the experienced Dons also receiving Life Membership after playing their 150th senior games this year.

“I didn’t know until a couple of hours later that those guys were being inducted as well and will go through the formalities on Monday, the 17th of December, at the AGM,” Goddard said.

“We’ll make it formal then and (I will) get up with those guys, so it makes it even more special.”

The two-time All Australian says he has relished the chance to spend more time with his family in recent months after a long and fruitful AFL career that saw him play 334 games and claim the 2013 Crichton Medal.

“I was really keen initially … just to take the time to exhale and enjoy a time which otherwise I’d be training and be fully back into thinking about football and in football mode.

“(I wanted to) take the opportunity to spend more time with my family, with the two girls and (wife) Rosie, and then do things as a family, things that personally I wouldn’t otherwise have been able to do in the last 16 years.

“I’ve been fortunate to play for so long and have the time now to relax and just take my time and think about the future, whatever that is.”

While he is still unsure what the immediate future holds, Goddard hinted he may still be part of the football industry in 2019, this time as an observer.

“I might be doing a little bit in the media next year, so I might be in a different seat as a non-player.

“I might be more critical than I ever was. I can be, probably, so look out boys,” he said with his tongue in his cheek.

Goddard said it was “weird and surreal” being back at the club on Friday, but despite the disappointment of his playing time at Essendon coming to an end he said his love for the club and his teammates will never fail.

“I’ll forever be cheering on the boys.”