BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Former Argentina international forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has retired from football after ending a four-year spell at Hebei China Fortune.

"These were incredible years ..., marked by learning, unique moments and countless memories that will be forever in my heart," the 34-year-old said in an open letter posted on social media on Friday.

"I'll be eternally grateful for all those who accompanied me on this path. It's with a lot of emotion that I say goodbye to the most beautiful stage that life has given me."

Lavezzi's 16-year professional career included spells at Estudiantes, San Lorenzo, Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain and Hebei China Fortune.

He was capped 51 times for Argentina's national team and was a part of the Albiceleste team that lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.