Guti announces retirement from football

Spanish midfielder Jose Maria Gutierrez has announced this retirement from football at the age of 35.

The veteran midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Besiktas in November 2011, but he was hoping to continue his career.

However, after almost a year without action, the Spaniard has decided to call it quits on his playing career.

“The decision has been made,” Guti confirmed to Radio Marca. “I have received offers but I’ve decided to stop. I can now spend more time with my family.

“I’m going to train to become a sporting director or a coach and I’d like to train youngsters. I’d really like to coach the Real Madrid youth team. That’s my dream.”

The highly rated midfielder began his career at Real Madrid and was handed a first team debut in December 1995.

The player has since made 387 La Liga appearances for los Blancos, scoring 46 goals in the process.

Guti joined Besiktas in the summer of 2010 and enjoyed a bright start to his career in Turkey, scoring 7 goals in 23 Super Lig appearances for the club.

Despite being regarded as one of Spain’s top attacking midfielders, Guti has earned just 13 Spain caps and scored 3 goals for the national team.