Alvaro Dominguez is retiring at the age of 27 because of the back problems that have stopped him from playing regularly for Borussia Monchengladbach in the last two years.
Dominguez, who made two appearances for Spain in 2012, underwent two back operations.
The former Atletico Madrid defender said he had to stop playing in order to avoid "becoming an invalid at the age of 27."
Dominguez announced his decision in a video posted on his Twitter account and said: "I want to send this message especially to Borussia Monchengladbach and Atletico fans, who have always shown me a lot of affection.
Hasta siempre ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/jAOClxLcIq
- Alvaro Dominguez (@Adominguez15) December 6, 2016
"In the past years I have been playing under terrible physical conditions. I have been forced to continue to play and that has led me to have two operations which have had consequences that, to this day, I still have to deal with.
"This has led me to say goodbye to all of you and to bid farewell to this sport that I am so passionate about.
"No one would like to be an invalid at 27. This is the price that I have to pay."
Dominguez made 120 appearances for Atletico, winning Europa League titles in 2010 and 2012 and the European Super Cup, also in 2012, before joining Monchengladbach that summer on a five-year contract.
He made 103 appearances in all competitions for Monchengladbach, his last coming on Nov. 7, 2015, in a home Bundesliga draw against Ingoldstadt.
Atletico paid tribute to Madrid-born Dominguez, saying in a statement: "Our club wishes to transmit all its support to Alvaro Dominguez and wish him the best in this new stage in his life."