DBasia.news – Former Argentina and Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta announced he was ending his career as a footballer on Friday (16/10). Zabaleta ended his 18 year career on the gridiron.
After leaving West Ham United at the end of last season, the 35-year-old right-back has been linked with a return to Espanyol. But now, he had decided his playing days were over.
Zabaleta spent nine years at City after joining from Espanyol in 2008. He made 333 appearances and scored 12 goals to become City’s fan favorite at the Etihad Stadium.
Zabaleta was an integral part of City’s defensive unit alongside captain Vincent Kompany as they won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup.
“These have been wonderful years which have given me the opportunity to enjoy unique and unforgettable moments,” Zabaleta wrote on Twitter.
He expressed his gratitude to all people and parties in his career. Zabaleta thanked the club he played for, his teammates, the coach and especially his family and all his friends.
“With a lot of emotions, I left one of the best stages of my life,” he said.
Zabaleta won 58 caps for Argentina but has not been involved in an international match since 2016.