Spanish defender Agustin Garcia Iniguez, who was a part of the ATK FC squad that won the 2019-20 Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) trophy, announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday. The 35-year-old defender played 14 matches for ATK last season and had a crucial role in making his side one of the meanest defences in the league.

Posting his official announcement on Twitter, the defender said, “At this date and having thoroughly considered it, I want to share with you all this hard and difficult decision. After sixteen years as a professional football player, I’m retiring. I really want to take a moment to say thank you to all the people I have met during these sixteen years. Besides my family, friends, teammates, coaches and many more.”

“Football has allowed me to live in six different countries within three continents. Travelling around the world, learning other languages, meeting different cultures and finding new understanding has enriched me enormously and created a sense of accomplishment in me, both inside and outside football.”

Agus made his senior professional debut for Spanish club Albacete back in 2004 before moving to Real Madrid the following year. He was part of Real Madrid Castilla – the club’s B team – till 2009 and then turned out for the likes of Cordoba, Alcorcon and RCD Mallorca. He also spent a year in Turkey with Orduspor between 2012 and 2013.

Away from Europe, Agus signed for Major League Soccer (MLS) club Houston Dynamo in 2016. The Spaniard also appeared for the likes of Esbjerg in Denmark and Nea Salamina Famagusta in Cyprus. He signed for ATK prior to the 2019-20 Hero ISL season and was integral to their backline, helping them become the second-best defence in the league phase. During his time with ATK, Agus made 161 clearances, 26 tackles, 15 interceptions, 11 blocks and also provided an assist.