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Former Arsenal fan favourite retires after 19-year career - as tributes from team-mates pour in

Related Topics: Carlos Vela

Former Arsenal fan favourite Carlos Vela has announced his retirement after a 19-year career.

The Mexican forward came through Arsenal's academy after joining from Guadalajara aged 16 and spent seven years at the Emirates, with a number of loan spells including at West Brom.

The 36-year-old has been without a club for six months since leaving Los Angeles FC (LAFC) but finally announced he would hang up his boots on Tuesday night.

He wrote on Instagram: 'Throughout my career, I have experienced very special moments, but the time has come to officially retire from professional soccer.