Former Liverpool player and fan favourite Luis Garcia has announced his retirement from football.

The 35-year-old spent three seasons with the Reds, after joining the club from Barcelona in August 2004.

He struck up an immediate rapport with the Anfield faithful, who coined a special chant for the attacker, and continued to support him following his departure from Liverpool in July 2007.

The nifty forward netted 30 times in 121 appearances for the Reds, including five goals in the knockout stages of the Champions League - with unforgettable efforts against Juventus and Chelsea - as the club went on to claim their fifth European Cup in Istanbul.

Garcia paid special tribute to Liverpool, and those who have continuously supported him, as he bode farewell to the game: "[Thanks] to Liverpool FC, for making me pass through the history of international football and be part of the Red family, forever.

"To each and every one of the people over 17 years of [my] career that have been with me, have helped me and supported me at every stage I have lived, and although not mentioned one by one, I will be forever grateful."

Garcia's honours at Liverpool included a UEFA Champions League winners' medal, a runner-up finish in the 2006-7 edition of the prestigious tournament, as well as winning the FA Cup (2005-6), UEFA Super Cup (2005) and the 2006 Community Shield.

Fans can tune into a special Luis Garcia edition of our brand new 'Back of the Net' show on January 23 at 9pm GMT on LFC TV.