Former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg announces retirement

Former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 36-year-old called time on his career following the expiration of his contract with Danish outfit FC Copenhagen.

"Today I ended my contract with FC Copenhagen, which will be the last in my football career," he said.

Capped 117 times for Sweden, Mellberg also names AIK Stockholm, Olympiacos, Racing Santander, Juventus, and Villarreal among his former clubs.

He made 263 appearances for Villa during a seven-year stint, which ended in 2008.