Bayern's Xabi Alonso to quit football at end of season

Bayern Munich’s Xabi Alonso will retire from professional football at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old, who quit international football in 2014, took to Twitter, to reveal his decision.

“Lived it. Loved it.  Farewell beautiful game,” he wrote on the micro-blogging site.

"It was no easy decision," the 35-year-old told, who also played at Liverpool and Real Madrid, told Bayern Munich television.

"But it was the right moment. I always wanted to end my career earlier rather than too late. I still feel good so I think this is the right time."

Alonso played a part in Bayern’s 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal in their Champions League last 16 second leg tie on Tuesday.

The Spaniard, who started his career at Basque club Real Sociedad and won the World Cup as well as two Euros with the national team, also won the Champions League with Liverpool and Real. He joined Bayern in 2014. 

Image: Xabi Alonso will hang his boots at the end of the season

Photograph: Xabi Alonso/Twitter