Nistelrooy astaafu kucheza soka

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has announced his retirement from football after he helped Malaga to secure a Champions League spot next season.

Van Nistelrooy, 35, netted 150 goals in 219 official appearances for the Red Devils before moving to Real Madrid and winning two La Liga titles in 2006.

The prolific striker also made 70 international appearances for Netherlands, scoring 35 goals, and also featuring at Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup and at Euro 2008. Van Nistelrooy is also currently the Champions League's all-time second highest scorer, with 56 goals to his name.

Van Nistelrooy told a press conference : "Yesterday was my final game as a professional footballer. I wanted to play in the Champions League, but it is the moment to leave. I have arrived at my physical limit and I can't play at the maximum level. I couldn't have had a better send-off than this. 

"I feel happy that I am the one taking this decision. I would like to thank Malaga, the technical and medical staff for an unforgettable year. I am proud to have won collective and individual titles, but my greatest satisfaction was to be able to work day after day, year after year.''