Valery Karpin confirmed on Saturday that he would not be postponing his retirement.
Valery Karpin confirmed after Real Sociedad's draw with Liga champions Barcelona on Saturday that he would not be postponing his retirement plans.The 36-year-old former Russia international has endured a difficult season and admitted in March that he regretted playing on for another campaign.
The final weeks of the season have failed to result in the midfielder having a change of heart and he was given a standing ovation when being substituted near the end of the 0-0 draw with Barca.
"I don't want to play football anymore," the Estonian-born midfielder said. "I have taken the decision and although I might regret it in four months' time, I think it's the right moment.
"I want to thank Sociedad who gave me my opportunity to play in Spain, and all the fans of all the clubs I have played with."
Karpin started his career with Spartak Moscow, before moving to Sociedad in 1994.
He had spells with Valencia and Celta Vigo before returning to San Sebastian in 2002.
