Mexican midfielder Guardado announces retirement

Andres Guardado, Mexico's most-capped player, announced on Thursday his intention to retire from professional football at the conclusion of the current season.

This decision may come as soon as Sunday if the former Valencia player is unable to assist Leon in securing a place in the postseason playoffs of the Mexican top flight.

Guardado has represented Mexico in five World Cups and was instrumental in the nation's victories in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2011, 2015, and 2019.

His last appearance, which marked his 182nd cap, occurred during a friendly match against the United States last month, where he received a heartfelt farewell upon being substituted in the first half.

"Here, on the field of the Leon stadium, I wish to publicly announce my decision to retire from soccer after 19 years and conclude my career as a professional player at the end of this season," he stated during a live Instagram broadcast.

Born in Guadalajara, Guardado has also played for PSV Eindhoven, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Betis. He indicated that he would continue to play until Leon's participation in the Apertura tournament concludes.

Leon is currently striving for a position in Mexico's 'Play-In' to determine which teams will join the top six in the postseason.

"We still hold a slight hope of competing in the Play-In; let us hope it materializes, but if it does not, Sunday will mark my final game as a professional," he remarked.

"I depart feeling grateful and immensely proud of all that I have accomplished and for having realized my dream."

Guardado began his career at Atlas before transferring to Deportivo La Coruna in Spain. He played a key role in Real Betis's Copa del Rey victory in 2022 and was part of the PSV Eindhoven team that secured consecutive Dutch titles from 2014 to 2016.

He expressed his intention to remain involved in soccer after retirement, with local media suggesting he will join Javier Aguirre's coaching staff for the national team.

SportsLigue