David Villa retires: Spain striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and top 30 international scorers of all time

The former Barcelona star will hang up the boots at the end of the J-League season

David Villa will retire as one of the great goalscorers (Getty)

Former Spain striker David Villa has announced he will retire at the end of the season in Japan. The 37-year-old will lead a new US franchise, Queensboro FC, in New York as part of an investment group.

He will end his career playing for Vissel Kobe before moving back to America, where he previously represented New York FC.

He tweeted: “After 19 years as a professional, I have decided to retire from playing football at the end of this season. Thank you to all the teams, coaches and team-mates that have allowed me to enjoy this dreamed career. Thank you to my family, that has always been there to support me.

“It is my objective to put the cherry on top by winning the Emperor’s Cup with visselkobe on January 1st. From then on, I will continue to enjoy football through all the projects that we’re currently developing with DV7 group. Thank you for all the love.”

Villa is among the top 30 most prolific scorers in international football history – here are the top 30:

Where does Villa stand all-time among the best strikers to have played international football?