The Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuaín, who plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, announced on Monday that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of this season.
"It is the moment to communicate news that I have been processing, analyzing, and preparing for some time. The day has come to say goodbye to soccer," said Higuaín very emotionally at a press conference.
"It all began when I was very young, playing in my neighborhood, at my school, at Club Atlético Palermo, which gave me a wonderful childhood where I met spectacular people, whether they were coaches or friends from the '87 category. They are families, friends whom I love very much," he added.
"Shortly after, Real Madrid came to inquire about me. There was a very particular situation where my dad came to tell me that Real Madrid was going to buy me, and I was sleeping, and I said, 'don't mess with me, I'm not up for these jokes,' but the news was real. Real Madrid bought me at 19 years old. My dad told me a phrase on the plane that served me a lot: 'go, you have to have respect, admiration, but never fear because if not, you will be left behind. If they bought you, it's because they believe in you, believe in yourself but always with respect.' And so it was. I played seven years in the best team in history, such a long time and at such a young age. It was a wonderful stage," said the emotional 'Pipita'.