Luis Garcia, Former Liverpool And Spain Winger, Announces Retirement At 35

Former Liverpool winger Luis Garcia announced his retirement Monday, bringing to an end a career that lasted 17 seasons and saw the 35-year-old participate for full seasons or on loan for 12 different clubs. Though his 30 tallies in 121 appearances for Barclays Premier League affiliate Liverpool will certainly be remembered by fans at Anfield, one goal stands out among the rest for the Badalona, Spain native. Notching the game-winning score in the 2005 Champions League semifinal against Chelsea, Garcia netted what is notoriously referred to as the 'ghost goal' because Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believed the ball never crossed the line, later referencing the games only score as the 'ghost goal.'

In addition to spending time with Liverpool, Garcia – who was also a member of the Spanish national team from 2005 until 2008 – held contracts with Atletico Madrid, Racing de Santander and Mexican League clubs Puebla and Pumas UNAM. Starting his career in 1997 with Barcelona's B club, the winger moved to Valladolid on loan in 1999 and spent time with Toledo and Tenerife before becoming a full-time member of Atletico Madrid in 2002. Wrapping up his career with Pumas, Garcia thanked everyone who helped him elevate his seventeen-year career but held a special mention for Liverpool.

“Today I’ve decided to retire as a professional footballer, thanking the interest of the teams that talked to me in recent weeks, but I think it’s time to end this important chapter in my life and move to the next page,” he said. “Thanks to Liverpool FC, for making me pass through the history of international football and be part of the Red family forever. And thanks to each and every one of the people over 17 years of my career that have been with me, have helped me and supported me at every stage I have lived, and although not mentioned one by one, I will be forever grateful.”

Garcia helped Liverpool claim the 2005 UEFA Champions League crown after that notorious Chelsea win in the semi's but was unable to participate in the 2007 UCL final while recovering from knee ligament damage.