Villarreal midfielder Francisco Javier Farinos has announced his retirement from football due to an Achilles injury.
The 35-year-old hasn’t played since March due to the problem and revealed he wanted to retire in December but was convinced to make one last attempt at a comeback by Marcelino, the Villarreal Coach.
But the former Inter, Mallorca and Levante midfielder was unable to shake off the problem and has decided to call it a day.
Farinos, who started his career at Valencia and also represented Hercules, was close to retiring during his Levante days, AS reports, due to a hip injury, but played on and helped Villarreal to promotion last season.
In a statement on Villarreal’s official website, Farinos thanked Villarreal for their support.
“It is a very difficult decision for me,” Farinos said.
“But I’m not quite right physically and I find this is the step I have to take.
“I want to thank Villarreal for all the support I have received in the year I’ve been at the club, from the board, the coaching staff, the doctor and all the staff and fans who have given me their love from the first day.
“Thank you all. I will always keep you first in my memory.”