Former Spain midfielder Diego Capel has announced his retirement.

Capel, formerly of Sevilla, Sporting CP and Genoa, made the announcement on social media.

He declared: "Precisely on a day like today I made my debut in the Primera Division at 16 years old and almost twenty years later I put an end to one of the most beautiful phases of my life and which exceeded every expectation I had.

"To the team my life, Sevilla FC, for giving me the opportunity to grow as a player and as a person and for teaching me what we all want: to win titles.

"There is another very special team, my beloved Sporting de Portugal, for welcoming me home and making me feel like one of yours (another lion). Those nights at Alvalade will remain in my heart forever.

"I can't forget Genoa, Anderlecht, Extremadura, Birkirkara and Irodotos FC. And the greatest pride, wearing the shirt of the Spanish national team, representing my country. I look back and never imagined how lucky I was.

"Thank you very much to football."