Longtime Boston Red Sox captain Jason Varitek announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Thursday in an emotional press conference at the club’s spring training facility in Florida.

“My decision to retire wasn’t something that I took lightly,” said Varitek, who spent all 15 of his Major League seasons with the Red Sox.

“This has probably been the most difficult decision that I’ve had to make in my career. But the opportunity to be able to start and finish my Major League career in one place is why I’m standing here today.”

In 2009 Varitek had opted to stay with the Red Sox as a backup rather than become a free agent.

Varitek, a three-time All-Star catcher, became the captain of the Red Sox following the club’s World Series triumph in 2004 — their first title in 86 years.

He helped Boston to another World Series title in 2007 and caught a Major League record four no-hitters.

Varitek said he was discussing ways to maintain a non-playing role with the Red Sox.