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Carlos Vela, a former attacker for Real Sociedad and Arsenal, announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, ending his 19-year career.

After going through Arsenal’s development system, Vela had problems getting a work visa, which led to loans to Salamanca, Osasuna, and Real Sociedad, among other Spanish teams.

Prior to spending seven years with Real Sociedad in La Liga, he made 29 Premier League appearances for Arsenal.

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Vela was apopularamong the fans at Real Sociedad because of his flare, inventiveness, and goal-scoring prowess. Vela, who won the CONCACAF Gold Cup twice, amassed 72 caps for Mexico and performed well as a striker, offensive midfielder, or winger.

“I have had some really memorable moments throughout my career, but it’s time to formally retire from professional football,” he said on Instagram. “To share my career with all of you has been an honor and a privilege.”

Vela is the club’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and appearances, having established a league record with 34 goals during the 2019 MLS season.

Vela made a big transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2018 when he joined Los Angeles FC (LAFC). He soon rose to prominence as the team’s spokesperson and one of the league’s most dominating players, helping his squad win both the U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup.

He broke all previous records in 2019 by scoring 34 goals during the regular season and winning MLS MVP. LAFC became a strong league squad under his direction.

“He has been the lifeblood, the leader, and the face of LAFC,” said general manager and club co-president John Thorrington in a statement.

Vela had a brilliant and contentious international career with Mexico. He was renowned for his technical skill and vision, and he participated in two FIFA World Cups in 2010 and 2018. He did, however, have a tense relationship with the national team at times, leaving foreign assignments for personal reasons and disagreements with management.