New York City FC’s Andoni Iraola announced his retirement from soccer Thursday, ending a 16-year playing career.
The 34-year-old defender spent most of his career with Athletic Club in Spain, appearing over 500 times with the club. He appeared seven times for the Spanish national team.
Iraola joined NYCFC midway through the 2015 campaign, playing in nine games with the team. He made 29 regular season appearances in 2016 and started both of NYCFC’s playoff games in a 7-0 aggregate loss to Toronto FC that ended the team’s season.
“He is somebody who does not covet the limelight but is content to do his job quietly to the highest standards, making those around him play better as a result,” NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira told the team’s website.
David Villa, Iraola’s teammate with both Spain and NYCFC also praised him.
“Andoni is a wonderful person and player and I wish him all the best in the future,” Villa told NYCFC’s website. “He knows he’ll have a friend for the rest of his life in me.”
Villa also took to Twitter to celebrate Iraola.
Thanks for always giving 100% and helping me every day. It was a pleasure for @NYCFC to have you in the club. You'll be missed, roommate. https://t.co/w84AC5XTKY
— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) November 17, 2016