BREAKING NEWS: The 29-year-old former Barcelona and Everton player may have to retire; “There’s a chance I’ll never play again.”
Gerard Deulofeu has had an extraordinarily tough 18 months. The 29-year-old Spanish international, who is presently at Serie A team Udinese, has endured a torrid time due to injuries, and he is currently recuperating from a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.
During his career, Deulofeu has battled injuries. It is among the primary causes of his 2015 departure from Barcelona, even if he had a very successful debut in Catalonia. But as he informed Jijantes FC (via MD), things have become so terrible in recent years that an early retirement is a real possibility.
“I am no longer able to do what I love. I haven’t been on the field for more than a year. It has been quite difficult. You can’t imagine the genuine ordeal, of which I can tell you very little. I’ve been aware for several months now that I might not be able to play again. I’m making every effort to return, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that I won’t be able to participate.
“I’m trying my hardest to look after myself.” In order to return, I have entirely altered my life. Furthermore, this is not progressing. It makes sense that you would want to rest when your knee has been through so many surgery. But I have to strengthen my knee because I want to play football again. This entails swelling, fluid leaking out, and extremely thin lines. It’s been challenging, but I’m doing well because I’m content in my personal life; without that, everything would be a total catastrophe.”
If Deulofeu were to retire at this early age, that would be truly unfortunate. The good news is that he has proven to be a fighter and doesn’t appear to be giving up anytime soon.