37-year-old Spanish veteran Ruben Perez announces retirement; won 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship

On September 4 Beijing time, 37-year-old Spanish veteran Ruben Perez announced on social media that he will end his professional football career.

Ruben Perez's social media post

The moment of farewell has finally arrived. After more than two decades devoted to football, I have decided to bring my professional playing career to a close.

It all began at my hometown club Ecija Balompie. As a child, I planted the dream of football here, and at that time I never dared imagine that I would go so far in the future.

After that, I joined Atletico Madrid, growing all the way through the youth system. My football skills and character were both shaped there, and I fulfilled my dream of wearing the first-team jersey.

From then on, an unforgettable journey began: Deportivo La Coruna, Getafe, Real Betis, Elche, Torino, Granada, Leganes, Panathinaikos and Kifisia. Every club, every city and every shirt carries a story that belongs to me.

I was also extremely honored to represent Spain and win the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

But the most precious part of this journey was all the people I met along the way.

Thank you to all the fans, my teammates, coaches, coaching staff and everyone who accompanied me over the years. I especially want to thank my family. With every decision, every relocation, whether during moments of joy or the darkest times, you were always by my side. Behind every match and every achievement, there was your contribution. This dream also belongs to you.

I leave with pride and gratitude. The boy who started his football dream in Ecija ultimately fulfilled it.

From today on, I am no longer a professional player, but I will never stop loving football.

Thank you, football. Thank you to everyone. Having had all of this is my greatest honor. (End of social media post)

The 37-year-old Spanish midfielder Ruben Perez came through Atletico Madrid's youth academy and won the UEFA Europa League with Atletico. He was loaned to Torino, Deportivo La Coruna, Betis, Granada and Leganes, and moved to the Greek league late in his career. As a member of Spain's 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship-winning team, he played for more than ten clubs and ended his more than two-decade professional journey today.