An emotional Gonzalo Higuain called time on a glittering playing career after Inter Miami s exit from the MLS Playoffs on Monday.
The former Argentina international, who won 75 caps for his country, was on the losing side as Miami were beaten 3-0 by reigning champions New York City FC.
Higuain had confirmed his plan to retire earlier this month and was in tears as he left the field, with a career that included spells with Real Madrid, Napoli and Juventus now at an end.
I felt like what I had loved the most as a job had ended. It was half my life, my career, 17 and a half years, said Higuain, who previously spoke of plans to become a mental health coach, as he explained why he was moved to tears.
Images from my entire career came to my mind – what I lived, what I worked, what I experienced – and I’m leaving very happy because I gave it all until today. That s the most important thing.
The dream is over and another life begins.
Gracias totales Gonza
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF)
A six-time domestic league champion – with three LaLiga crowns and three Serie A triumphs – the 34-year-old signed for the MLS club in September 2020.
He has left a lasting impression on the club and coach Phil Neville, having scored 29 goals in 67 MLS appearances.
He s leaving in the way in which he should be leaving, with the goals he s scored, the happiness he s played with, said former Manchester United full-back Neville.
The way he s embraced his team-mates and carried his team-mates is exactly what we expected. I think he can be massively proud.
It s a massive adaptation period for any player to come to the MLS, particular when you ve played in Europe, in the Champions League, to come here. I think it s a big learning curve if people come here and think it s going to be easy and it s not.
I m proud to have managed him. I think as a club we re proud to have had him. He leaves in a good moment, he helped us get to the Playoffs, and he can now enjoy his retirement. We wish him all the best, and he ll always be welcome.
