Former Spain and Barcelona striker, David Villa, has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the season.
Villa made the announcement on his verified Twitter handle on Wednesday.
“After 19 years as a professional, I have decided to retire from playing football at the end of this season. Thank you to all the teams, coaches and teammates that have allowed me to enjoy this dreamed career. Thank you to my family, that has always been there to support me,” the former Valencia star wrote.
“It is my objective to put the cherry on top by winning the Emperor’s Cup with Vissel kobe on January 1st. From then on, I will continue to enjoy football through all the projects that we’re currently developing with DV7 group. Thank you for all the love.”
Villa was a member of the Spanish national team that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The 37-year-old was also part of the side that won the 2008 European Championship.
At club level, he won the LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup at Barcelona.
He also helped Atletico Madrid win the league title in the 2013/2014 season.
