Roberto Soldado announces retirement from football after 21-year career

After an impressive 21-year journey in professional football, Roberto Soldado, the seasoned 38-year-old striker, has decided to call time on his playing days. The decision comes after a challenging season with Levante in the Segunda Division, where the dream of promotion remained elusive.

In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Soldado announced his retirement with a mix of emotions. Reflecting on his remarkable career, he expressed his gratitude and amazement at how his dream of being a footballer became a reality and endured for over two decades.

“Today I am ending my 21-year career, I am ending a dream that I never thought would last so long,” Soldado said in a video posted on social media. Soldado says goodbye after a career that has taken him to nine clubs in three different countries and also to the Spanish National Team, with which he played 12 games and scored 7 goals. Soldado, who began his career in the youth ranks of Real Madrid, also said “thank you to colleagues, friends, family, fans…” from Real Madrid, Osasuna, Getafe, Valencia, Tottenham, Villarreal, Fenerbahce, Granada and Levante.