Beijing time (CEST) September 4, the 37-year-old Spanish veteran Rubén Pérez announced on social media that he would end his career as a professional footballer.

Pérez's Statement on Social Media

Finally, the moment of farewell has arrived. After more than two decades in football, I have decided to end my career as a professional player.

It all began at my hometown club, Écija Balompié, where as a child I planted the seeds of my football dream. Back then, I never dared to imagine I would go so far.

Then I joined Atlético Madrid, growing through their youth academy. Both my skills and my character were forged here, and I fulfilled my dream of wearing the first team shirt.

From there began an unforgettable journey: Deportivo La Coruña, Getafe, Real Betis, Elche, Torino, Granada, CD Leganés, Panathinaikos, and Kifisia FC. Every club, every city, every shirt is etched with my story.

I also had the incredible honour of representing Spain and winning the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

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

Thank you to all the fans, my teammates, coaches and staff, and every colleague who has accompanied me through the years. Special thanks to my family. With every decision, every move, whether in joy or in the darkest moments, you have always been by my side. Behind every match, every achievement, is your contribution. This dream belongs to you too.

I leave with pride and gratitude. The young man who began his football dream in Écija has finally realised it.

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

Thank you, football. Thank you all. It has been a great honour to have lived all of this. (End of social media post)

The 37-year-old Spanish midfielder Rubén Pérez came through Atlético Madrid's youth academy. He was loaned to Torino, Deportivo La Coruña, Real Betis, Granada, and CD Leganés, and finished his career playing in the Greek league. As a member of Spain's 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship-winning team, he moved between more than ten clubs over a professional career spanning more than twenty years.

Traducido por IA.

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