"I say goodbye to the most beautiful stage that life gave me" wrote Argentine Ezequiel 'Pocho' Lavezzi on Instagram this Friday when he concluded his career, which included being part of the Argentine national team, runner-up in the 2014 World Cup along with Lionel Messi, as well as playing for Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain.
"These have been incredible years of this story. Years marked by learning, unique moments, and countless memories that will be forever in my heart," added Lavezzi when announcing his retirement at the age of 34 with the Hebei China Fortune's shirt.
Fueron años increíbles de esta historia. Años marcados por aprendizajes, momentos únicos e infinidad de recuerdos que serán eternos en mi corazón. Por siempre agradecido a todos los que me acompañaron en este camino. Con mucha emoción, me despido de la etapa más linda que me dio la vida. Fui muy feliz! Un abrazo They were amazing years of this story. Years marked by learning, unique moments and lots of memories that will stay in my heart for good. I am forever grateful for those who have stayed by my side throughout this journey. With lots of joy, I say goodbye to the most amazing phase life has given me. I’ve been extremely happy!
Una publicación compartida por Ezequiel Lavezzi (@pocho22lavezzi) el
Just in Beijing, his last destination as a footballer, Lavezzi won the gold medal in 2008 with his friend Messi, with whom he traveled a long journey with the Argentine national team until the Copa America-2016, one year before the 'Pocho's' last call.
With the FC Barcelona star, he shared numerous frustrations in the Argentine national team, which has not won a title since 1993, including two lost Copa America finals (2015 and 2016), in addition to the 1-0 defeat in the decisive match against Germany in Brazil-2014.
Without being a player of the world elite, Lavezzi managed to obtain high remunerations. Wikileaks revealed that he went from PSG to Hebei in February 2016 for an estimated salary of 53 million euros (almost 59 million dollars) over 23 months.
Lavezzi began his career in youth teams in Rosario Central, the archrival of Newell's, where Messi emerged, and at the professional level he started his journey in Estudiantes de Buenos Aires (now in the second division of Argentina) to move to San Lorenzo, from where he launched his international career in Napoli, PSG and finally Hebei China Fortune. (D)