Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz has announced his retirement from professional football.
With La Liga on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 39-year-old is set to have a hip replacement.
Aduriz, who is the oldest player ever to score for Spain, was set to play in an all-Basque Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad in April.
"Many times, I have said that football will leave you before you leave it," he wrote on Twitter.
"Yesterday, the doctors told me to go see the surgeon, sooner rather than later, to get a prosthetic to replace my hip and try to go about my everyday life, as normally as possible. Unfortunately, my body has said 'enough'.
"I can't help my team-mates the way I would like to, nor the way they deserve. That is the life of a professional athlete. Simple."
Aduriz scored 141 goals in 296 appearances for Bilbao, while he also played for Valencia and Mallorca.
He also won 13 caps for Spain, becoming the country's oldest goalscorer in 2016, aged 35 years and 275 days.
Latest Stories
-
NDC government will establish a Women’s Development Bank – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
58 seconds -
My selection is an affirmation of your belief in women – Naana Opoku tells Mahama
7 mins -
Our ticket will be a pair of experienced individuals – Mahama assures
17 mins -
NDC officially outdoors Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate
31 mins -
+233 hosts Int. Jazz Day concert on April 30
35 mins -
Farmer arraigned over threat of death
53 mins -
Education Minister unveils new uniforms for basic schools
1 hour -
8th Ghana CEO Summit scheduled for May 27
1 hour -
Leaked intimate video has severely embarrassed me; I’m sorry – Serwaa Amihere
2 hours -
Poll results alone don’t constitute victory for any political party- Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC
3 hours -
Gyakie spills truth on her journey to fame
3 hours -
Energy sector CSOs challenge President Akufo-Addo to transparent value for money audit of SML contract
3 hours -
Plunderers of the State will face the music – Prof Jane Opoku-Agyemang promises
4 hours -
We don’t feel safe after inconsiderate conduct of Regional Minister – Ashanti ECG staff
4 hours -
Ghana needs urgent reset and inspiring leadership – Mahama
5 hours