Las Palmas' Juan Carlos Valeron announces retirement

Approaching 41 years of age, Juan Carlos Valeron is set to hang up his cleats.

On Saturday, an emotional Valeron announced that he will retire at the end of the La Liga season, saying that it's "the right time" following 16 seasons and 400 appearances in the top flight of Spanish football.

Valeron has written himself into UD Las Palmas folklore, as the club from the Canary Islands is where his career started and where it is ending.

"I want to tell you that I've decided to retire as a professional player and the end of the season," Valeron said with tears in his eyes. "It's a great satisfaction and honour to do it here in my home. I dedicate it to God, who has given my life meaning, as he the one who has given me what I have and thanks to God I've had an unbelievable sporting career. I retire in front of my people, thanking all the clubs where I've been able to be. Las Palmas, of course. Especially the president for having permitted this beautiful end. Tono as well who has been very important in my return home."

Valeron, who will be a "Captain of Honour" and ambassador at Las Palmas, also expressed his hope that Jonathan Viera Ramos will the take the club's No. 21 saying, saying his compatriot, the team's top scorer in La Liga this season, is "very special."