Lance Knight
08-10-2004, 03:38 PM
Quote:
MADRID, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder Luis Enrique, one of the most respected figures in the Spanish game, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
'I don't see myself being able to compete,' the player said in a statement on his website. 'I'll watch this season from my seat in the stands.'
Luis Enrique Martinez made his debut for Spain in 1991 while still playing for his home town club Sporting Gijon.
He went on to join Real Madrid ahead of the 1991-92 season and won a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics the following year before making a move to Barca in 1996.
At the Nou Camp, he became a hugely popular attacking midfielder, renowned for his versatility and competitive nature. In his first two seasons with the Catalan club, he scored 35 league goals in 69 appearances.
He went on to make 62 appearances for Spain before retiring from the international game following the World Cup in 2002.
His final two seasons at Barcelona were increasingly disrupted by injury and he did not seek a renewal of his contract at the end of last term.
He had been tipped for a move back home to Sporting Gijon but concerns about his fitness persuaded him to quit the game rather than take advantage of the club where started.
'I wouldn't be able to reach the level I'd demand of myself,' Luis Enrique said. 'I wouldn't be doing Sporting much of a favour by going there.'
MADRID, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder Luis Enrique, one of the most respected figures in the Spanish game, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
'I don't see myself being able to compete,' the player said in a statement on his website. 'I'll watch this season from my seat in the stands.'
Luis Enrique Martinez made his debut for Spain in 1991 while still playing for his home town club Sporting Gijon.
He went on to join Real Madrid ahead of the 1991-92 season and won a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics the following year before making a move to Barca in 1996.
At the Nou Camp, he became a hugely popular attacking midfielder, renowned for his versatility and competitive nature. In his first two seasons with the Catalan club, he scored 35 league goals in 69 appearances.
He went on to make 62 appearances for Spain before retiring from the international game following the World Cup in 2002.
His final two seasons at Barcelona were increasingly disrupted by injury and he did not seek a renewal of his contract at the end of last term.
He had been tipped for a move back home to Sporting Gijon but concerns about his fitness persuaded him to quit the game rather than take advantage of the club where started.
'I wouldn't be able to reach the level I'd demand of myself,' Luis Enrique said. 'I wouldn't be doing Sporting much of a favour by going there.'