Pepe Reina hangs up his gloves – KopTalk

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has formally introduced his retirement from skilled soccer on the age of 42, after an unimaginable 26 seasons within the sport.

Talking in an emotional interview with Movistar, the previous Reds’ stopper mentioned: “A really stunning profession is coming to an finish… I really feel very lucky for what I’ve lived… I believe the time has come and I really feel like closing it right here.”

Reina’s remaining sport will likely be this Friday in Italy, the place he’s at the moment ending his taking part in days with Como 1907. And what a approach to bow out – towards Inter, no much less, in a Serie A conflict that brings the curtain down on a profession spanning greater than 20 years.

Nevertheless it’s not goodbye to soccer altogether. Removed from it.

The ever-charismatic Spaniard is already lined as much as take his first steps into administration, beginning subsequent season at Villarreal, the place he’s set to supervise the youth academy crew. And realizing Pepe, he gained’t simply be placing cones out – he’ll be pumping vitality into the following technology like he all the time did between the sticks.

He revealed that the choice to retire was made again in January: “I made a decision to give up final January. I spoke with my spouse, and we determined collectively.”

Reflecting on his remaining season, he admitted: “Final summer time there was a second after I had a tough time, as a result of I couldn’t discover a mission that excited me… I had extra to supply, and this 12 months has been the one which has made me see that I’m now empty – within the sense that I can now not provide extra to soccer from this place (on the bench).”

Let’s not neglect, Reina was way more than only a strong pair of fingers. He was a World Cup winner with Spain, two-time European champion, and an important a part of that golden period for La Roja. At membership stage, he performed for a who’s who of European giants – Barcelona, Bayern, Napoli, Milan, and naturally, our very personal Liverpool, the place he made 394 appearances and picked up the Premier League Golden Glove three seasons in a row.

And who might neglect that infectious grin, the celebrations, the mad banter with Torres and co., and people pinpoint lengthy balls? He wasn’t only a keeper – he was a part of the household.

He added: “It has been a privilege. Now you don’t worth it a lot, however after I look again… I’ve shared a dressing room with some nice individuals. I’ve been very fortunate.”

Pepe has mentioned this previous 12 months made him realise that he’s “empty” by way of what he might give on the pitch, however off it, he’s prepared to offer again in a brand new position, and he appears genuinely excited to get began.

Thanks, Pepe. For the saves, the laughs, the eagerness, and the reminiscences. You’ll all the time be one in every of our personal. Good luck, Míster Reina – and who is aware of… perhaps at some point we’ll see you again at Anfield within the dugout?

Inwa, Legend.

🏆 Honours – Pepe Reina

Villarreal

• UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2003, 2004

Liverpool

• FA Cup: 2005–06• FA Cup runner-up: 2011–12• Soccer League Cup: 2011–12• FA Neighborhood Defend: 2006• UEFA Tremendous Cup: 2005• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2006–07• FIFA Membership World Championship runner-up: 2005

Napoli

• Italian Cup: 2013–14

Bayern Munich

• Bundesliga: 2014–15

Aston Villa

• EFL Cup runner-up: 2019–20

Spain U16

• UEFA European Underneath-17 Championship: 1999

Spain (Senior Workforce)

• FIFA World Cup: 2010• UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012

Particular person

• Premier League Golden Glove: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08• Liverpool Participant of the Season: 2009–10

Decorations

• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Benefit: 2011