OFFICIAL: Spain's World Cup winner David Villa announces retirement

Spain's World Cup winner David Villa announces retirement in his press conference.

The 37-year-old has been playing for Japanese side Vissel Kobe this year with three league matches remaining before an Emperor's Cup semi-final in late December.

The Spain legend wrote on his Twitter: "After 19 years as a professional, I have decided to retire from playing football at the end of this season. Thank you to all the teams, coaches and teammates that have allowed me to enjoy this dreamed career. Thank you to my family, that has always been there to support me."

"It is my objective to put the cherry on top by winning the Emperor's Cup with  Vissel Kobe on January 1st. From then on, I will continue to enjoy football through all the projects that we're currently developing with DV7 group. Thank you for all the love."

Villa's career has spanned 19 years and began in Spain with Sporting Gijon before subsequent moves to Zaragoza, Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

After spending most his club career in his homeland, Villa then ventured to New York City in 2015, where he spent four seasons before joining Kobe earlier this year.

The attacker has scored 12 times and contributed two assists across 26 appearances with the club currently 10th in the J-League.

Across his club career, Villa claimed three La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys and won the Champions League in 2011 with Barcelona.

Internationally, the Spaniard represented his country 98 times winning Euro 2008 before also lifting the World Cup two years later.