Real Madrid sensation compelled to retire at 19 after struggling horror knee damage
A Real Madrid midfielder has been forced to retire due to injury complications at only 19-years-old.
Mark Cucalon has had to leave behind the dream of becoming a professional footballer after being unable to recover from an ACL injury he sustained two years ago. The youngster tore his ACL whilst playing for Madrid in a UEFA Youth League game against Celtic when he went for a challenge on an opponent.
Cucalon underwent surgery regarding his injury. However, after developing an infection, Cucalon was unable to make a full recovery. He said: “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.
“I arrived at the Real Madrid youth team in the summer of 2016 as a child with a backpack full of dream 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”
Even though Cucalon has had to move on from football, he is still in good spirits regarding his future. He continued: “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.”
