The 34-year-old has been at Villarreal since 1999 and has become a fans’ favourite at the club.
He said: “Next year I won’t continue here and I simply wanted to publicly thank the club.
“I can only say that I leave very happy and proud to have played so many years in Villarreal.
“From now I wish them all the best and you could say that I am like one more fan.
“I have felt very loved as much by my team-mates as by the fans and this is the best memory I can take away with me.
“What happens is that a moment comes when things come to an end and that’s it because I still have the desire to continue on playing.
“Villarreal have given me everything on a sporting level and I will always be grateful to them.”
He added: “Let’s hope I can bid farewell by leaving Villarreal in a European competition.
“The only thorn in my side is not to have won any trophies, but I am convinced that sooner or later they have to come.
“I still don’t have anything clear (about the future) but I just hope to find a team in which I am as happy as I have been in Villarreal.”
