Ex-Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal retires from football aged 36
Nacho Monreal says he has "peace of mind" now that he's retired. He missed the whole 2021-22 season.
, who used to play defense for
Spain, retired at age 36 because of a knee injury. Monreal left Real Sociedad at the end of his contract because he was hurt and couldn't play in the 2021-22 season.
On Tuesday, the left-back, who won 22 caps for his country, announced that his 16-year professional career is over. He posted on Instagram: "Thirty-six years playing football, 16 as a professional, squeezing my body and taking it to limits that I would never have imagined.
"My knee sends me a message… loud and clear; I cannot continue! Do I get mad? NO! I listen to it and accept the situation, and thank it for everything. A stage is over. Another starts. I'm happy and feeling good. One more time… I FEEL GOOD!!! And that gives me peace of mind."
"Life is a gift, and I like to be grateful. Thank you to Osasuna, Spain, Malaga,
Arsenal
, and
Real Sociedad
for letting me cross your paths. What a good time..." Monreal started his career with Osasuna. He then moved to Malaga and spent over six years with Arsenal, where he won the FA Cup three times. He returned to his home country with La Real in 2019 and won the Copa del Rey with a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao the following year.
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