.Former Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has announced his retirement from football after recent injury issues.
The Spanish international spent six years with the Gunners, joining in 2013 and leaving at the end of Unai Emery's first season in charge. He has spent the last three years at Real Sociedad, but missed the entirety of last season due to a knee issue.
Monreal, 36, shared a retirement announcement on Instagram, thanking his former clubs and the Spanish FA for their role in his career. In the same clip, he hinted at a fresh start after hanging up his boots.
"36 years playing football. 16 as a professional. Squeezing my body and taking it to limits that I would never have imagined," Monreal wrote.
"My knee sends me a message… loud and clear; I cannot continue! Do I get mad? NO! I listen to it and accept the situation and thank it for everything. A stage is over. Another starts. I'm happy and feeling good. One more time… I FEEL GOOD!!! And that gives me peace of mind."
It marks the end of a career which saw Monreal play 450 club career games and more than 550 in all competitions. He also won 22 Spain caps, scoring once for his country in 2016.
What was Monreal's best moment in an Arsenal shirt? Give us your favourite in the comments section
Monreal was born in Pamplona, and started his career with hometown club Osasuna. He joined Arsenal after two years with Malaga, helping them reach the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2012-13 season.
The move to north London saw him reunited with Santi Cazorla, who was also a teammate of his at La Rosaleda. Both won a number of senior international caps, with the last of Monreal's Spain appearances coming in a friendly against Switzerland ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
"Life is a gift and I like to be grateful," his statement continued.. Thank you @caosasuna @rfef @malagacf @arsenal @realsociedad for letting me cross your paths. What a good years…."
A number of former teammates have shared messages of support with Monreal. Hector Bellerin, who spent a number of years with his compatriot at Arsenal, said "Congrats on the career and the person you are bro".
"What a pleasure it was to share the locker room with you" was the message from Real Sociedad's Aritz Elustondo. A number of others let Monreal know they supported him, including former Osasuna teammates Kike Sola and Roberto Torres.
Real Sociedad themselves sent a message of support too. "Proud that you wore our shirt. Good luck in your new stage!!" the La Liga side wrote.
