Real Madrid youngster Marc Cucalon has been forced to retire from professional football at the age of 19 due to a serious knee injury which he suffered in the latter stages of 2022.
Cucalon made the move to Real Madrid from Real Zaragoza in 2016, and he had drawn comparisons with Xabi Alonso due to his impressive vision and passing.
The teenager had been turning out for Real Madrid C, the team below Real Madrid Castilla, but he picked up a cruciate ligament injury in a UEFA Youth League clash with Celtic in September 2022.
According to RMC Sport, his recovery did not go as planned, and various complications have led to Cucalon announcing his retirement.
"I didn't know how to start this letter. So I'll do it by saying THANK YOU to everyone. From the bottom of my heart. For all the support you have given me throughout this time," he posted on Instagram.
"I arrived at the Real Madrid youth team in the summer of 2016 as a child with a backpack full of dreams and I have been very, very happy. And the truth is that my life changed completely on September 6, 2022, when I was seriously injured in a match of the @uefayouthleague.
"After several complications, that injury has forced me to make the tough decision to say GOODBYE to football, at least in the way I had always dreamed of.
"During these last two years I have fought physically and mentally with all my strength and I have tried everything in my power to enjoy this sport again, but it has not been possible to recover. Although do not get me wrong: this is not a sad farewell at all.
"After all, I think I have been truly privileged to have been part of the best club in the world and to have lived a dream. I have learned and matured as a person and as a player.
"I will take with me for the rest of my life the values that have been instilled in me and, of course, football has taught me in every victory and in every defeat: you always have to overcome and keep fighting to overcome obstacles. Those lessons will be part of my life forever. It is time to look back and be grateful to all the people who have been by my side on this journey.
"Endless thanks to my family. Thanks to my parents, who have always supported me in every decision and every obstacle in my path.
"It is true that leaving home to fulfil my dream was difficult. But seeing their happy faces when they saw me enjoying myself on the field became my greatest pride. Thanks also to my friends, the unconditional ones who have never let me down."
Former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa, who is in charge of Juvenil A, paid tribute to the youngster after the decision was confirmed.
"You don't know how many times this game comes to mind," said Arbeloa. "It's hard for me not to think about the huge player you were going to be (and already were), but you always have to look to the future. You know it better than anyone, you deserve the best, Marc, we will always be there for whatever you need."
Cucalon is believed to have suffered with a serious infection in his knee during his recovery, which damaged the cartilage of the joint, and he was ultimately unable to undertake moderate levels of exercise without pain.
