Former Real Sociedad and Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has announced his retirement.

At 36, Monreal has explained last season's injury-plagued campaign with La Real convinced him to hang up the boots.

"I can't do any more!" declared Monreal on social media. “Do I get angry with this? Nope! I listen to it, I accept it and I thank it for everything.

"A new stage begins today, but I feel good and that gives me peace of mind.

“Life is a gift and I like to be grateful. Thank you Osasuna, the Spanish team, Malaga, Arsenal and Real Sociedad for crossing our paths. Many more good years..."

“36 years playing soccer. 16 of them as a professional. Squeezing my body to the fullest, taking it to limits that I would never have imagined being able to reach. My knee sends me a message, a message loud and clear."