Former Valencia and Spain defender Carlos Marchena has announced his retirement.
Marchena, now 36, played 69 times for Spain and enjoyed the most successful period of his club career during a nine-year spell with Valencia, winning two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Cup.
He also won the European Championships with Spain in 2008 before being part of the 2010 World Cup team.
Marchena stated on the Spanish Federation's website:
"Dear Friends,
"I wish to share the decision that I made these past days.
"I am putting an end to my active career as a footballer. It has not been easy, but that's life and now it's time to face a new era.
"I want to thank everyone who has helped, taught and supported me throughout these years.
"I feel privileged to have had the chance of experiencing many, many different things.
"This beautiful journey began on the Calle León de Las Cabezas de San Juan and it has not stopped enriching my life, both personally and professionally.
"I carry football, my education, good friends and an overall magnificent experience.
"I would like to thank all the teams Juven, CD Cabecense, Sevilla FC, SL Benfica, Valencia CF, Villareal CF, RC Deportivo de la Coruña and Kerala Blaster, for giving me the opportunity of defending their jersey and because they allowed me to play for the Spanish National Team.
"It is impossible to name all the people who have been important throughout my career, my family, friends, teammates, fans... All of them. Thank you for so much!