Malaga striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.
The former Holland international has suffered a difficult year since arriving in the south of Spain from Hamburg last summer, scoring just five times in 32 appearances. However, he did help guide Malaga to their first ever top-four finish and thereby ensure Champions League football for the first time in their history.
Van Nistelrooy told a press conference on Monday: "Yesterday was my final game as a professional footballer. I wanted to play in the Champions League, but it is the moment to leave. I have arrived at my physical limit and I can't play at the maximum level. I couldn't have had a better send-off than this."
He went on: "I feel happy that I am the one taking this decision. I would like to thank Malaga, the technical and medical staff for an unforgettable year.
"I am proud to have won collective and individual titles, but my greatest satisfaction was to be able to work day after day, year after year."
Source: PA
