The defender javier pinola announced this Sunday that he will retire from professional football: “Today will be the last match of my career”the River Plate player who was one of the references during the Marcelo Gallardo era communicated through tears.

He communicated it a few minutes before the last match in the Millionaire shirt, that at 5 pm he will face Betis in Mendoza in what will be the last match of the team led by Doll.

“I’ve already communicated it to my family, my teammates, the coach. Today will be the last match of my career. They are tears of joy and pride for the career I feel I’ve made”. without holding back tears, that he is being indicated as one of those who could join the coaching staff of Martín Demichelis next season.

After thanking his teammates, he shared: “I arrived here aged 39 at the club I’ve dreamed of playing all my life since I was little. It’s not something I made up, only my closest friends know what I have felt since I was a child . It is priceless,” shared Pinola sharing his decision.

When asked about his future, he remarked that it’s something he’ll talk about later.

“Today I make this decision. I want to enjoy this game and what’s to come will come, and we’ll talk,” he said, noting that his career “flipped by.”

Looking back on the best moments of his career, the defender admitted that “it’s hard to think of just one”, even if he chose the Copa Libertadores win in Madrid as one of his favourites.

Minutes after reporting the news, River Plate’s official account fired its player with a post on its social networks.

“After defending our colors for more than five years in which he won eight titles, Javier Pinola has announced the end of his great career as a professional footballer,” they reported.

And they added: “Thanks for everything and the best for your new stage!”.

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