Argentine midfielder Erik Lamela announced on his Instagram page that he has ended his professional playing career.
The footballer explained his decision by saying that he has suffered from hip joint injuries for the past few years.
“I have decided to end my professional career. This is a decision I have long contemplated, and ultimately, the time has come. For those who don’t know, I have had issues with my hip joints for 11 years now...
For the last 5 years, I took pills before every match to be able to play. Starting with a minimal dose, and in the last period—taking the maximum dose two days before a game, just to step on the field.
Thank you to my parents for always being there, for taking me to every match and training whenever they could. Thank you to my wife, who was unquestionably by my side, sleeping next to me in the hospital bed even in my worst moments and helping me every day. Thank you to my children, my number one fans, who gave me the strength and energy to carry on—I love you.
Through football, I learned what it’s like to get on a plane. I discovered different countries, cultures, and religions. I saw places and lived moments I could never have imagined.
Thank you, “River Plate”, “Roma”, “Tottenham”, “Sevilla”, AEK—you will always be in my heart,” wrote Lamela.