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Dutch Striker Van Nistelrooy Retires

Malaga's Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy retired from professional football on Monday, ending a stellar career that included stints with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

"Yesterday I played my last match as a professional," Van Nistelrooy, 35, told a news conference.

"I think the moment has come for me to stop playing football -- I have reached my physical limit," he added.

"But there could be no better way to say goodbye than this, in a euphoric moment for the club," which on Sunday won a place in next season's Champion's League with a fourth-place finish in Spain's La Liga.

During his two-decade career, Van Nistelrooy was crowned top scorer in three countries -- The Netherlands, England, and Spain.

With 60 goals in the Champions League, he remains that competition's second-highest scorer, behind Raul of Spain.

He played for five seasons with Manchester United, winning the English league once with them, and then played a part in two Liga titles during four seasons with Real Madrid.

He moved to Malaga last year after a two-season stint with Hamburg.

Source: Agence France Presse


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