(Photo: Matt Slocum AP)

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera says this will be his final season.

Rivera made the announcement Saturday at the team’s spring training complex. There was word this week that he will retire after the season, and he made it official at a news conference.

The 43-year-old Rivera holds the career saves record with 608 and has helped the Yankees win five World Series titles. He is regarded as the greatest closer of all time, whether he’s throwing his cut fastball in the regular season or postseason.

Rivera missed most of last year after tearing his right knee while shagging flyballs during batting practice in early May.