Spain World Cup winner Pedro Rodríguez announces retirement (video)

Forward Pedro Rodríguez officially announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday at the age of 39. The Spaniard, who had been without a club since his contract with Lazio expired in June, took to social media to share an emotional farewell message.

"I feel the time has come. It's time to take a step forward and begin a new chapter in my life. I leave football proud to have lived my dream and thankful for all the people who stood by my side to make it a reality. Thank you to football for making me so happy," he wrote.

Born in Tenerife, 'Pedrito', as he became affectionately known at Camp Nou, rose to Barcelona's first team under Pep Guardiola, becoming an essential component of the historic sextuple in 2009. During his spell with the Catalan giants, he enjoyed the most prolific period of his career, lifting five La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies.

Pedro was also a key figure for La Roja, winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

After making his mark in Spain, the winger moved to England, where he enjoyed a successful stint with Chelsea, before heading to Italy to represent both Roma and Lazio.

Pedro Rodríguez bows out of the game with an astonishing record: 841 official appearances, 205 goals, 103 assists, and a trophy cabinet boasting 26 major honours.