LA LIGA goalkeeper Jaume Domenech has announced his retirement from professional football over the ‘health situation of a loved one’.
The 34-year-old stopper announced the decision in a devastating statement on .
Jaume Domenech has announced his sudden retirement from football
The Spanish stopper was a mainstay in Valencia squads during his decade with the club
The Spaniard is a 10-year veteran of but was released by long-time club at the end of last season.
He thanked clubs who reached out to him while awaiting his career decision, but he has decided to draw his career to a close.
His statement read: “Today, I want to share a deeply considered decision with all of you: I have decided to end my career as a professional player.
“First, I believe it’s only right to thank all the clubs that contacted me this summer and formally showed their interest in having me be a part of their projects, and for their patience in waiting for me to make a final decision.
“Football is my life, my passion, but things don’t always happen the way you’d like. I am hanging up my boots due to a health situation with one of my loved ones.
“My heart and the values that have shaped me as a person tell me that I need to be by their side. I feel that I must be close to my family now, not far away.”
The experienced keeper spent the majority of his career at Spanish club Valencia.
He primarily featured as a back-up option during his decade with the senior team, but he still amassed almost 125 appearances in all competitions.
The 34-year-old made well over 100 Valencia appearances after initially joining the youth ranks in 2015
He played for the club during legend ‘s .
His statement continued: “The journey as a professional footballer has been thrilling and ends today for a greater cause, but I also want to say that I am not saying goodbye to football.
“I am simply closing one chapter to open another.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love and understanding.”
He received an immediate shower of support from teammates and fellow professionals across .
Former Valencia and midfielder penned a touching response, saying: “Those of us who have shared the locker room with you know everything.
“We love you very much, friend! This new stage is going to be spectacular, I’m sure. Thank you for everything.”
New signing , who Domenech played with at Valencia, echoed his support, saying: “You are an example to everyone Jau!! Best of luck.”
