Ex-Argentina star Juan Roman Riquelme announces retirement

Argentine midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme has announced his retirement.

The 36-year-old played for Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Villarreal and current side Argentinos Juniors, while he also won 51 caps for his national team.

It was expected that Riquelme would move to the MLS, but he has confirmed that his career has come to an end.

He told reporters: "I have decided to no longer play football. Now I am just a fan. I will go and suffer in the stadium. I am very pleased with the career I had. I enjoyed football to the maximum. I hope the people have enjoyed it alongside me. I tried to have a good time.

"I tried to give everything I could to fans of Boca, Argentina, Villarreal and Barcelona, in the youth teams and the full team. I am someone who makes decisions calmly, who thinks a lot. It's clear now that I'll be on holiday, I'll have fun, enjoy time with my children. From now on my football life ends and a new life starts. Let's see what it holds."

Riquelme was named Argentina's Player of the Year on four occasions, while he also played at the 2006 World Cup