Former Real Madrid Striker Fernando Morientes Announces Retirement

Posted Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by YAHOO Sport

Former Real Madrid and Valencia striker Fernando Morientes has confirmed his retirement from football after leaving Marseille.

The 34-year-old had spent the last year in Ligue 1 with the eventual French champions, but earlier this year they agreed to part company by mutual consent.

In a press conference back in his native Spain, the forward commented that he has received offers to remain in the game, but wanted to focus his attention on dedicating time to his family.

He said: “After 17 years playing with the elite of football, I have had three months to rethink my future, and now I want to focus on my family.

“I have rejected offers from teams around the world, including teams in Mexico, Qatar, Dubai, and also in recent days from Sporting Lisbon.”

Morientes enjoyed eight years at the Santiago Bernabeu during the most successful spell of his career, and netted in the 2000 Champions League final.

Speaking of los Blancos'chances of wrestling the title from rivals Barcelona, the former Spanish international hopes his former team can compete with the Catalan giants.

He said: “Although Barcelona are one step ahead and Real Madrid are a team under construction, they have a line-up of players who are able to compete with their eternal rivals. The project cannot be judged at the moment, but when the results start coming in.”

Morientes made 573 career appearances, scoring 204 goals in Spain, France and also during his spell in England with Liverpool.