 Pirri retired from the game at the age of 37 due his club's poor economic situation, even though he had one year more running in his contract.He then completed his studies to qualify as a physician, and joined Real Madrid's medical staff; in late December 1999, he was named their general manager after Jorge Valdano (who later replaced him) rejected the offer.Pirri earned 41 caps for Spain, scoring 16 goals.