Xabi Alonso has called it a day. The Bayern Munich midfielder tweeted about his decision to retire at the end of the ongoing season on Thursday.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it’s the right time. I always thought it would be better to quit sooner rather than later. I still feel good, but I believe this is the right moment,” the 35-year-old told FC Bayern.tv. “I wanted to end my career still at the highest level, and Bayern is the highest level. I’m incredibly proud and happy to play for FC Bayern and to be a part of this family,” Alonso added.

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge hailed the player saying, “Xabi Alonso is one of the greats of world football. He has won everything there is to win during his career. He’s a thoroughly remarkable person, and a gentleman of the game.”

In addition to the World Cup, Alonso won the European Championships twice with Spain. He has also won the UEFA Champions League on two occasions – with Liverpool and Real Madrid. But he is probably best remembered for scoring the equalising goal for Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final against Milan at Istanbul, that lead to a great comeback win.