TOKYO – Spain's World Cup and double European Championship winning striker Fernando Torres will play his last professional football match on August 23, he said on Sunday as he announced his retirement.
"I am here to announce my official retirement from football," the 35-year-old said in a press conference in Japan's capital Tokyo.
Torres, who joined Sagan Tosu in the J-League in July 2018, said he will play his last game as a pro on August 23, when his side will play Vissel Kobe, which features former Spain teammates David Villa and Andres Iniesta.
"To say goodbye to football next to my dear friend Iniesta is something that I could never imagine, and Japan is gonna make it possible," the 2010 World Cup winner said.
"Also there will be my friend David Villa, [with whom] I share probably the best moments in Spanish football history," Torres said. "I tried to find an iconic moment to play my final game and I think that's a perfect time."