Real Madrid star announces RETIREMENT

Cameron Smith

• 12 Nov 2024 18:45 GMT
• 6 min read

Breaking

Real Madrid academy star Marc Cucalon has announced his retirement from football at the age of just 19.

Cucalon joined Los Blancos’ academy back in 2016, but he has been unable to play since 2022 after suffering a serious ACL injury.

The injury took place during a UEFA Youth League match and worsened after an infection occurred during surgery.

The 19-year-old has been unable to play football since the incident and he has now decided to retire from the sport after spending two years on the treatment table.

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What has Marc Cucalon said?

Cucualon announced his retirement on Instagram with a message that read: “I didn't know how to start this letter. So I'll do it by saying THANK YOU to everyone. From the heart. For all the support you have given me during this time.

“I arrived at the Real Madrid quarry in the summer of 2016 as a kid with a backpack full of dreams and I was very, very happy. And the truth that my life changed completely on September 6, 2022, when I was seriously injured in a UEFA Youth League game.

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“After several complications, that injury has forced me to make the tough decision to say GOODBYE to football, at least in the way I had always dreamed of.

“For these past two years I have struggled physically and mentally with all my might and I have tried everything in my power to enjoy this sport again, but it has not been possible to recover from it. Don't get me wrong: this is not a sad farewell at all.”

He continued: “After all, I think I have been truly privileged to have been part of the best club in the world and to have lived a dream. I’ve learned and matured as a person and as a player.

“I carry with me for the rest of my life the values that have been instilled in me and, of course, football has taught me in every triumph and in every defeat: you always have to overcome and keep fighting to overcome obstacles. Those lessons will be part of my life forever.

“It is time to look back and be thankful for all the people who have been beside me on this journey.

“Endless thanks to my family. Thanks to my parents, who have always supported me in every decision and every stone along the way. It's true that leaving home to fulfil my dream was difficult.

“But seeing their faces of happiness when they saw me enjoying the playground became my greatest pride. Thanks also to my friends, the unconditional ones who have never failed me.”