BERLIN, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso will be hanging up his soccer boots in the summer, the Spaniard announced in an official statement on Thursday.
The 35-year-old midfield veteran, who has won the FIFA World Cup once and the UEFA EURO twice with Spain, has called time on his fruitful career.
"It was not an easy decision but I think it is the right moment," Alonso told the club's official homepage. "I always wanted to retire rather sooner than later. I still feel good but I believe it is the right time," he said.
The former Spain international joined the "Bavarians" from Real Madrid on an undisclosed fee in August 2017 to provide five assists and five goals in overall 71 competitive appearances.
"I wanted to retire at the highest possible level, and Bayern is the highest level. I am very proud and happy to play for Bayern and to be part of this family," Alonso added.
Xabier "Xabi" Alonso Olano started his professional career at Real Sociedad before he joined Premier League outfit Liverpool in 2004 where he lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2005.
After five years with the "Reds", Alonso joined Primer Division side Real Madrid where he secured the domestic league title in 2017 before he reaped his second Champions League title in 2017.
Alonso extended his trophy cabinet with the German giants as he wrapped up back-to-back Bundesliga titles and last season German Cup. He still has the chance to add another three titles to his cabinet as Bayern is still in the race in three competitions.
"FC Bayern would like to thank a great player and a man who has represented Bayern on and beside the pitch excellently. Xabi Alonso is one of the greats of world football. He has won everything in his career," Bayern's CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.
体坛英语资讯：Berdych, Radwanska into China Open finals
体坛英语资讯：U.S. race car driver Dan Wheldon dies in 15-car crash
体坛英语资讯：Iran finishes 2nd in West Asian Womens Football Championship
体坛英语资讯：DPR Korea, Japan, China take lead at Asian Womens U19 soccer
体坛英语资讯：Chinese mens Sanda team pockets five gold medals in 11th WWC
体坛英语资讯：Late Janssen strike salvages draw for Ajax against leaders AZ
体坛英语资讯：Corinthians remains leader, Vasco da Gama close behind
体坛英语资讯：Move quickly on national coach: rugby legend Matfield of S. Africa
体坛英语资讯：Radwanska survives 154-minute battle to lift China Open title
体坛英语资讯：Danes beats Portugal 2-1 to qualify for Euro 2017 Finals
体坛英语资讯：FA appoints Team Britain head coaches
体坛英语资讯：China retain mens foil team title at Worlds
体坛英语资讯：Moldova wins opening World Cup futsal European zone Group A match
体坛英语资讯：Forlan records all-time leading scorer of Uruguay
体坛英语资讯：Algerian soccer star to become UN Goodwill Ambassador
体坛英语资讯：Tunisia qualifies for final phase of African Nations Cup
体坛英语资讯：South Africas Dikgacoi could make long-awaited injury return
体坛英语资讯：Flamengo beat Ceara 1-0, Figueirense continue to impress
体坛英语资讯：Various national games boost Chinas sporting prowess
国际英语资讯:Spotlight: White House beefs up security ahead of Trumps acceptance speech, protests
体坛英语资讯：Chinas Su wins mens Qiangshu at WWC
体坛英语资讯：Hanover draw with Copenhagen 2-2 at Europa League
体坛英语资讯：Mexicos Guadalajara ready to inaugurate Pan American Games
体坛英语资讯：Host Mexico hopes for strong performance at 2011 PanAm Games
体坛英语资讯：Vezzali wins World Championship title in womens foil
体坛英语资讯：South Africas dethroned rugby World Champions welcomed home
体坛英语资讯：Ghana national soccer team to receive state honors
体坛英语资讯：Allegri sure of Ibras desire
体坛英语资讯：Irans Paykan out of FIVB Club World Championship
体坛英语资讯：Martial arts worlds starts in Venezuela