Fernando Torres announces retirement from football

Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker, Fernando Torres, on Friday announced his retirement from football.

The 35-year-old made the announcement in a tweet through his official Twitter handle.

The former Atletico Madrid star wrote: "I have something very important to announce. After 18 exciting years, the time has come to put an end to my football career.

"Next Sunday, the 23rd at 10:00 AM, local time in Japan, I will have a press conference in Tokyo to explain all the details. See you there."

Torres, who has been most recently playing for Japanese club, Sagan Tosu, won the 2012 Champions League with Chelsea.

He also contributed greatly to Spain winning Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.