Penalty saver Diego Alves retired at the age of 39

Brazil goalkeeper Diego Alves, who played in Spain with him Almería, Valencia and Celta de Vigoannounced Tuesday that he will retire from professional football at the age of 39.

“Today I officially close a cycle that started as a childhood dream and turned into an unforgettable journey,” the goalkeeper said in a heartfelt farewell message posted on his social networks.

Alves He informed his millions of followers that his time on the pitch was coming to an end and, from now on, “a new story will begin.”

The former Brazilian international He had words of thanks to the coaches who “believed” in him, his teammates and the fans who “vibrated” at every stop he made.

“To everyone who has contributed to my career: you have been an important part of this story and you will always be in my heart,” he said. Alves also mentioned, one by one, all the clubs he played for in his nearly two decades as a professional footballer.

From Botafogo-SPwhere it was formed, until the years where Almeria and the Valencia, with whom he lived “extraordinary moments” that made him grow until he became the goalkeeper who saved the most penalties in the Spanish League.

He also remembered the Flamengo from Rio de Janeiro, where he enjoyed a second youth and managed to win two Copa Libertadores titles, among other trophies, and from Celtic of Vigohis newest team.

“At Celta, I had a short but important period, which allows me to return to the League after five years,” he said of the Galician team.

He arrived at the celestial club on February 8, 2023, but had his contract terminated just one month later, on April 15, without being able to debut, after suffering a serious knee injury at the end of March of that year.

Alves also emphasized the Atlético Mineirowhere he “took his first steps in professional football”, and “the dream” was for him to represent the Brazilian team.

“Being on the field wearing my country’s shirt allowed me to experience football at the highest level and share unique moments with the best players in the world,” he said.