MADRID, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Veteran Athletic Bilbao forward Raul Garcia announced on Monday that he will retire at the end of the current season.

The 37-year-old's announcement ends a first-team career that has lasted 19 seasons and seen him make 602 appearances in La Liga - third in the all-time list, behind Andoni Zubizarreta and Joaquin Sanchez - and 839 in all competitions for Osasuna, Atletico Madrid and Athletic, whom he joined in summer 2015.

His most recent appearance for Athletic saw him come on as a substitute in extra time in the Copa del Rey final and then score the opening goal in the penalty shootout that saw Athletic end a 40-year-wait to win the trophy.

"I always said that I wanted my last year to be a good one," said Garcia in explaining his decision, which he insisted was not influenced by the cup win.

"The decision not to continue didn't depend on winning the cup, because it was already quite clear to me a few months ago, but it is something special and it makes me feel very proud."

"I can retire with a clear conscience," he added.

Garcia came through the Osasuna youth system, making his first team debut in the 2004-2005 season. Garcia then spent eight seasons with Atletico Madrid, with a loan spell back at Osasuna in 2011-2012.

The forward won the 2013-2014 La Liga title with Atletico Madrid, along with the 2010 UEFA Europa League and the 2013 Copa del Rey.

He also won two European Super Cups and two Spanish Super Cups - one with Atletico and one with Athletic - as well as playing twice for Spain's national team. Enditem

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