Winger Cristian Tello has announced his retirement from professional football, after a career spanning 16 years at the top level, through a video posted on his social media accounts, in which he reviewed the key milestones of his journey and thanked everyone who accompanied him along the way.
اضافة اعلان
Tello said at the start of his message, reported by Catalan newspaper Sport: "Today is one of those difficult days for any player. It's time to say goodbye to professional football."
Tello's career was particularly tied to Barcelona, after he progressed through the club's academy, having also passed through Damm and Espanyol during his formative stages, before reaching the first team in the 2011-12 season under Pep Guardiola.
The winger played 86 matches for the Catalan side, scoring 20 goals, and won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, before his time at Camp Nou ended in 2014.
Tello then moved to Porto and Fiorentina, before returning to Spain with Real Betis, where he spent 5 seasons and won the Copa del Rey with the club.
The Spanish player later continued his career with Los Angeles FC, Al-Fateh, and Al-Orobah, alongside his most recent spell in the UAE.
16 Years as a Professional
Tello admitted he never imagined he would get to live out his greatest passion at the top level for all these years, saying: "In life, I never imagined I would get to enjoy what I love at the highest level for 16 years."
The 35-year-old added: "I consider myself truly fortunate," while also acknowledging that his career wasn't without difficult moments, which he said helped him grow and shape the person he is today.
Tello is now beginning a new phase away from competition, saying: "A new, different phase of my life begins, without that desire to compete, but with the same happiness."
The player dedicated part of his farewell message to his family, thanking his wife and two daughters, saying: "I'm certain that without them by my side, I wouldn't have enjoyed all of this as much. They've been the driving force behind this whole story."
Tello concluded his message by thanking all the clubs that were part of his professional journey, thereby closing the curtain on a 16-year career on football pitches.
