Transfer Centre

Alvaro Arbeloa 'not interested in China, United States'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 25 June 2017

Alvaro Arbeloa reveals that he decided to retire from professional football because he did not have the motivation to continue in either China or the United States.

Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed that he decided to retire from professional football because he did not have the motivation to continue his career in either China or the United States.

The 34-year-old, announced his retirement on Saturday after leaving West Ham United following the 2016-17 campaign.

It has been claimed that a number of Asian teams were interested in the former Spain international this summer, but Arbeloa has admitted that he was not prepared to simply play for money at this stage of his life.

"Many people have encouraged me to continue, saying that I have the physique to continue playing, but it has been more of a mental issue," Arbeloa told Marca. "For me, football has been about fighting day by day, competing. Going to training in order to give your all, going in on your day off.

"The option to continue playing in China or the United States doesn't interest me. The time has come to say enough because what is being presented to me now is not what I like about football.

"I always thought that I would continue playing until my legs held out, but in the end it was a head and motivational issue. Things this season did not pan out as I had dreamed and I am being honest with myself when I say goodbye.

"When I ask myself what I'm going to do, I understand that I do not want to continue playing for money, I do not want to take my family away again, so I had nothing that motivated me."

Arbeloa, who earned 56 caps for the Spanish national team, won one La Liga title, two Copas del Rey and two Champions League crowns during his second spell at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016.

He also made 98 appearances for Liverpool between 2007 and 2009.