Spain's all-time top scorer David Villa to retire from national duty after World Cup

FILE - This is a July 15, 2013 file photo showing Atletico de Madrid's soccer player David Villa during his presentation at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid. Villa has signed a three-year contract with New York City FC, becoming the first player on the expansion Major League Soccer team that starts play next season. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File) (The Associated Press)

David Villa, Spain's all-time leading scorer, says this World Cup will be his last event with the national team.

The striker tells Spanish television station Cuatro, "I don't like to say it, but yes, obviously this will be my last World Cup and my last games with the selection given my age, my level of performance, and everything I have given the team. It is time."

Villa, 32, has scored 56 goals for Spain and helped it win the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup.

On Monday, Villa signed a three-year contract with New York City FC, becoming the first player to join the expansion Major League Soccer team.

Villa helped Atletico Madrid win the Spanish league this season. He also won the 2011 Champions League with Barcelona.