3 football legends who are retiring by the end of the season

Even a glittering career cannot stop the most extraordinary players from the inevitable: retirement. Much like the years before, 2018 too marks the last season of several football players.

Here, we take a look at three legendary football players who are playing their last season of the game:

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#1 Xavi Hernandez

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has decided to hang up his boots, stating that this will be the last season of his playing career..

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport about his retirement, Xavi said, "99% this is my final season because at nearly 39 years old it is normal to be tired and have to change path," he said.

"Now I think like a coach and I already have the first licence to take charge of a team and I will finish the UEFA Pro Licence in May.

"It's not quite yet time to announce departures but clearly I have thought about what I'm going to do."

The four-time UEFA Champions League winner, who has been playing for Qatar Star League runners-up Al-Sadd since his departure from Barcelona in 2015, was initially pegged to retire at the end of last season, but has opted to stay on and delay his retirement until December.

Speaking to AP, the midfielder said, "I have decided to continue at least six months more."

He added, "Because it depends on my physical condition. Maybe in December I decide to continue."

Xavi has already set his future plans in motion when he began the process of attaining his coaching badges, including his UEFA A and B licenses, in April.

The midfielder was trained in La Masia and had an incredibly successful career, particularly during Pep Guardiola's stint as manager at Camp Nou.

Xavi spent 24 years at Barcelona where he won eight LaLiga titles, three Copa Del Rey crowns and four Champions League winners medals. He also has 133 caps for Spain and won the World Cup with the side in 2010.

#2 Didier Drogba

Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba announced his retirement plans earlier this year.

The Ivorian striker has decided to retire at the end of the 2017/18 season with American side Phoenix Rising.

Speaking to Telefoot of his plans, the striker said, "It's really a pleasure for me to play."

"I started late at the top level. I really enjoy playing. I like my role of owner-player a lot. I'm surrounded by a lot of youngsters, and I like passing my know-how on to them. But this season is the last. I'm 40, it's time now."

The striker has won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and a Champions League with Chelsea. He is also Ivory Coast's all time top scorer.

Since his announcement, rumours of Drogba's return to former club Marseille in a board room role have been rife.

Speaking of the possibility of the reports, he said, "We'll have to see what is offered. I'm always ready to help.

"In any case, Marseille are showing good things this year. Rudi Garcia's project is taking shape, they're building a team with young players. It's excellent to stay in the top three with a team like that. As a fan, I have a lot of faith in them."

#3 Robin Van Persie

Southampton v Manchester United - Premier League

Former Arsenal and Manchester United man Robin van Persie is all set to retire at the end of this season.

The 35-year-old striker currently plays for his boyhood club Feyenoord.

Speaking to Dutch publication AD, Persie said, "When I have to stop? That is probably at the end of this season."

"I will be 36 years old and will have been a professional for 18 years. From the age of five, I've only been involved in football."

Van Persie left his boyhood club to join North London outfit Arsenal in 2004 where he spent eight seasons. He then moved to United in 2012, and returned to Feyenoord after a spell with Turkish side Fenerbahce.

The striker helped United to the Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson's last season at the club and finished the campaign as the top scorer with 26 goals. He has also netted 50 goals in 102 appearances for his country.