Veteran Espanyol playmaker Ivan De la Pena has announced his retirement from professional football. The 35-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent years and, having played only five league matches in the last two seasons has decided to call time on his career at the end of the current campaign.
Speaking at a press conference today, a tearful De la Pena said: "I would've liked to have played more these years but, unfortunately, because of the injuries I haven`t been able to. I want to thank everyone for all the support I`ve received. My head would like to continue, but my body has said enough."
De la Pena came up through the youth ranks at Barcelona while he also played for Lazio and Marseille before moving to Barça's city neighbours Espanyol in 2002. While at Barça, De la Pena won La Liga and two Copa del Rey crowns among other titles, while he also helped Espanyol lift the Copa del Rey in 2006. De la Pena also played five times for Spain.
My head would like to continue, but my body has said enough.
Ivan De la Pena, retiring Espanyol midfielder
Espanyol, who are safe from relegation and cannot get into the European places, finish their La Liga campaign at home to Sevilla on Saturday and De la Pena is looking to make his farewell in that match.
"I hope to go onto the pitch once again, after so much time, and say goodbye from the centre of the field. Saturday`s will be my most difficult game. It will be tough but also nice," said De la Pena, who admits he has not thought about what his next step will be.
"I`m hoping to enjoy Saturday, to say goodbye on the pitch if the coach puts me on. Then we`ll see. I would like to continue in the world of football, because it`s what I`ve always done, but now I want to be with my family."