As he had announced, the Uruguayan international (161 caps, national record) Diego Godin retired this Sunday, at the age of 37, following the defeat (0-1) of his club, Vélez Sarsfield, against Huracan, in the last Argentine league game of the season.
In 20 years of career, the former captain of Atletico Madrid played 627 professional matches, scored 38 goals and won 10 titles, including two Europa League and three UEFA Super Cups, with Atletico de Madrid.
Diego Godin (right) and Cristian Rodriguez after their victory over Chelsea (4-1) in the UEFA Super Cup final in 2012. (FEVRE/L’Équipe)
“I wanted to make the decision this way, being in good health, it may seem surprising, but I had been thinking about it for a while,” Godin told Argentinian television. Now I have other priorities. My family is in Uruguay and I recently became a father. I want to rest and enjoy other things, leaving a good image on the pitch. »
Uruguayan club Nacional considered signing the centre-back, according to Reuters, but the former Celeste captain made up his mind to quit after the birth of his daughter last month.
