Former Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa has announced he will retire at the end of the year.

Vissel Kobe striker Villa will hang up his boots after the end of the J-League season in January, bringing an end to a glittering 19-year career.

After 19 years as a professional, I have decided to retire from playing football at the end of this season," Villa wrote on Twitter. 

"Thank you to all the teams, coaches and teammates that have allowed me to enjoy this dreamed career.

"My...

Spain's World Cup-winning striker Fernando Torres ended a glittering 18-year career on Friday with his final match for J-League club Sagan Tosu.

Torres, 35, hung up his boots following a 6-1 defeat by a Vissel Kobe side featuring former Spain teammates Andres Iniesta and David Villa.

After the game at a packed Ekimae Real Estate Stadium, Torres, who also played for his boyhood club Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and AC Milan, received a video tribute from former Anfield teammate Steven Gerrard.

"Congratulations...