Alvaro Arbeloa retires

The former Real Madrid defender has announced his retirement from football after an illustrious playing career.

Arbeloa's playing career included spells at Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruña, Liverpool and West Ham.

The 34 year old started his career at the Real Madrid youth team at 18. He moved on to Deportivo in July 2006. He played at Deportivo for just six months before moving to Liverpool in January 2007, that was then managed by countryman Rafael Benítez.

He returned to Real Madrid in 2009, spending seven seasons with the first team, before joining West Ham in 2016.

He won eight major titles with Real Madrid, including two Champions Leagues and the 2011/12 La Liga title.

The time has come to say goodbye. I have decided to hang up my boots and quit football.

He told Marca in an exclusive interview.

Physically I was OK to keep playing.

The right back that could also play as a left back has a special place for Real Madrid in his heart and is open to returning to the club in the future.

Madrid is the club of my life, I will never call to ask for a job, but I am always available to offer myself.

He added.

Arbeloa played for the Spanish national side 56 times and was part of the team that won the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.

His overall medal collection include:

World Cup 🏆 (One)
Euro Championship 🏆🏆 (Two)
Champions League 🏆🏆 (Two)
La Liga 🏆🏆 (Two)
Copa Del Ray 🏆🏆 (Two)
UEFA Super Cup 🏆 (One)
Supercopa 🏆 (One)
FIFA Club World Cup 🏆 (One).