Argentina forward Maxi Lopez has announced his retirement at the age of 37. Former Barcelona, Catania, Milan, and Torino striker, takes a break from his playing career after 24 years. He began playing football for the youth team River Plate in 1997. He jumped to the senior team in 2001 with the same Argentine club. Later he played for La Liga club Barcelona between 2005 to 2007.
The 37-year-old thanked everyone in a heartfelt message he wrote on Twitter. “I want to thank you all for assisting me in realizing my dream. It was a beautiful journey!!!,” he tweeted.
Gracias a todos por ayudarme a cumplir mi sueño. Fue un viaje hermoso…
Thank you all for helping me fulfill my dream. It was a beautiful journey!!! pic.twitter.com/MqTUcZZG5u
— Maxi Lopez (@MaxiLopez_11) July 29, 2021
The Argentine international was out of contract after a one-season stint with Sambenedettese in Serie C. The versatile player began his career at River Plate before moving on to Barcelona, Real Mallorca, FC Moscow, Gremio, Catania, Milan, Sampdoria, Chievo, Torino, Udinese, Vasco da Gama, Crotone, and Sambenedettese.
Maxi Lopez also had a turbulent marriage with Wanda Nara, which ended in 2013 when she began dating and later married his then-Sampdoria teammate Mauro Icardi.
He also represented Argentina at the youth level, donning the albiceleste for the Under-17 and Under-20 teams. He has made a total of 436 club appearances in his football career.
