Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain left the field for the final time on Monday ending an illustrious career that saw him win titles in Spain and Italy and reach the World Cup final with his country.
Higuain’s final match was a defeat for his Inter Miami side to defending champions New York City in the Major League Soccer playoffs ending any hopes he had of bowing out with another trophy.
“The dream is over, now another life begins,” Higuain told a post-match press conference.
The 34-year-old had already announced that he would retire at the end of this season but the campaign ended earlier than he hoped with a 3-0 defeat at Citi Field, the home of baseball team the New York Mets.
Higuain had a first half effort disallowed for offside but Miami were convincingly beaten and the former Real Madrid and Juventus forward crouched down in silence for several minutes after the final whistle.
“I felt like that what I loved I had ended,” he said when explaining his emotions during those moments of contemplation.