Former Manchester City and Bulgaria winger Martin Petrov has confirmed that he has decided to retire from football after nearly 20 years as a professional player.

Petrov, who has also played for Atletico Madrid and Bolton Wanderers, said that he is unsure whether he will stay in football, but will stop playing with immediate effect.

"Everything has a beginning and an end," Petrov told reporters. "I think it's time to stop playing football. I haven't yet decided what I'll be doing from now on."

Petrov scored 19 goals in 90 appearances for Bulgaria.