KOBE, Japan (AP) Spanish striker David Villa says he will retire from Japanese club Vissel Kobe next year, ending the career of Spain's top scorer in international play.
The 37-year-old Villa, who joined Kobe last December, said he plans to retire after the season ends in January.
''It's better to leave football before football leaves me,'' he told a news conference speaking in Spanish. ''I've been thinking for several years - when you reach 33, 34 or 35 - the moment can arrive at any time in a game, in training, or with an injury.''
Villa scored 59 goals in 98 appearances for Spain from 2004-17, including five goals at the 2010 World Cup as his nation won the title for the first time.