Mikel Arteta is set to retire from football after revealing that he does not think he is good enough any more.
Arsenal captain Arteta left the pitch in tears after completing his final appearance for the club in Sunday's 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
The 34-year-old admitted following the game that he is now considering alternative options, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Arteta has revealed that injuries have taken their toll on his body and he no longer believes that he can do the job he wants to do at the highest level.
The Spaniard did leave the door open for a possible return to the field, but admitted it was only a slim chance that he would ever play again.
"I am going to leave (it open) by one per cent because in football one per cent is a lot and things can twist very quickly," he told Arsenal.com.
"But I have different options now to be related to football which I am very grateful for. It is very unusual to have opportunities at this level.
"As well, that made me think it was probably time (to retire) and the way I have been watching football in the last few months - or probably over a year - it was not as a player, it was more as a coach. Then you have to think about it.
"You have to be honest with yourself. That's why I haven't been upset with the manager (by not playing), I have been upset with myself.
"When you can't get it right and you have been through injuries and difficult moments at this level… for me to play at this club you have to be the best in your position.
"When you lose that, I think you should be away from this place. I have probably been here too long. In the last few months, I probably didn't deserve to be here but at least I got the chance against Aston Villa to stay in touch with them and it has been amazing.
"For me, the standards you need to play for this club, it cannot be eight out of 10, it has to be 10 out of 10. When you cannot deliver that, it is not good enough.
"Sometimes people get away with it. Inside myself, my gut wasn't clean and when you are like this, I prefer to make the decision myself."
Arteta's next move will likely see him take on a coaching role in the Premier League.
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