Gabriel Heinze announces plans to retire at end of season

Former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze has announced that he will hang up his boots when the season comes to a close.

The 35-year-old has decided to retire from his playing career with Newell's Old Boys, which is also where the Argentine began his career.

Heinze released a statement via the club's official website and claimed that the game was taking a strain on his body.

The defender will end his career with a Premier League title and League Cup following his time at Manchester United.

Heinze, who clinched an Olympic gold medal with Argentina, also played for Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Real Madrid and Roma.