Former Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea striker Gonzalo Higuain has opened up about the difficulties he has faced during his career and his decision to leave football.
The 34-year-old’s contract at MLS club Inter Miami expires at the end of the calendar year and he does not appear to be likely to renew his stay at the American side.
Higuain – who has been one of the most prolific strikers over the past decade – has hinted that he intends to hang up his boots and walk away from football entirely.
The French-born striker has hit an impressive 350 goals across his senior career with his 121 goals across seven seasons at Real Madrid his longest stint.
He transferred to Napoli in 2013, with his 91 goals across three seasons, prompting Juventus to make him their club record signing at the time in a £75million deal.
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Despite bagging 66 goals for the Bianconeri, his performances often came under criticism which preceded short-term loan spells at Milan and then Chelsea.
He joined Inter Miami last season – where his goal return is 13 in 40 matches – but his deal is set to expire in December, by which stage he will have celebrated his 35 th birthday.
The striker has now given an emotional interview with Diario AS in which he has spoken of his future plans and the difficulties of being a professional football under the spotlight.
Higuain explained: “A footballer exists solely to play football but when you cannot, then no one calls you anymore .
“I have been very clear about this for years. You are a disposable bottle.
“When you are thought to be empty, you are trampled on and then you are thrown away.”
He was then asked if he wished to remain in football whenever he retires from playing, but he rejected this idea.
“I will be far away from football,” he responded. “Far away. I'm going to enjoy football while I still play, but then I will not have an interest.
“The sport has contaminated me. I feel like it's not the world I want to be in.
“People have no idea what life is like for a footballer.
“It is easy to forget that we all have a father, we have a mother, just like anyone else. And we have the same miseries and struggles that everyone has.”
Higuain has won 14 trophies across his career – including three La Liga titles and three Serie A trophies – while he also helped Argentina reach the 2014 World Cup final.
