The soccer world hugs Joan Gonzalez after the very sad announcement
A very sad day for the world of soccer: Joan Gonzalez was forced to retire at the age of 22 because of a heart condition. The Spaniard’s last game played was on May 26, 2024 against Napoli, then he had to stop due to the condition. In recent months he underwent new tests that confirmed his’ inability to continue playing soccer.
“Today is one of the most difficult but also one of the most significant days of my life, both personally and professionally – he said in a video on Instagram -. After months of reflection and moments of uncertainty, the time has come to communicate that I am ending my career as a footballer. I remember the days of matches as if they were yesterday: the wet grass, the screams from the stands, the sound of the ball when it hits the shoe, the nervousness before the whistle’start”.
“Moments that, now, I feel deep down because I know they will not return. There have been days of weariness, of mistakes, of being angry with myself. But there were also laughter, goals, hugs, complicit looks with teammates after a good game. I remember the locker room, veteran advice, jokes, conversations that only happen within a team. And I especially remember the eyes of my family in the stands. And that unforgettable gesture of greeting them after the game. Everything I used to see as a’habit, today I know it was special. And for that I want to thank”.
Tons of footballers commented on the video with messages of affection and support lost a boy who had to say goodbye to his dream at only 22 years old.
Lecce, the last club in which Gonzalez played, wrote: “Thank you Joan. Thank you for always honoring our jersey, thank you for your extraordinary journey with Primavera and First Team. We won so much together, we had fun, we shared everything, even this last difficult period. You were able to turn a broken dream into a new opportunity for growth, engaging brilliantly in your studies, thanks to your intelligence, sensitivity and culture. We lose a great footballer, but we will continue to love a real man who loved Lecce and Salento. Good life Joan”.
