Pepe Reina Retires After 25-Year Football Career

Como, Italy – Pepe Reina, the legendary Spanish goalkeeper known for his key role in Spain‘s 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 European Championship victories, will retire from professional football on Friday. At age 42, Reina’s final match will take place in Serie A, where his team, Como FC, faces Inter Milan.

Reina announced his retirement on social media Tuesday night, reflecting on his career, stating, “It has been much longer than I dreamed, yet it felt so short that I would live it again.” He expressed pride in all his experiences, whether positive or negative, calling them part of what made him feel extraordinarily happy.

Trained at Barcelona, Reina made his debut at 18 and played in Spain, England, Italy, and Germany during his extensive career. He gained prominence at Villarreal before moving to the Premier League with Liverpool from 2005 to 2014, where he won several titles.

Most recently, with Como, he has participated in 12 matches this season amid discussions about his future. “The secret to my longevity is that I love what I do,” Reina noted. He mentioned doubts he faced last summer about continuing but realized that he could no longer contribute from his current position.

After taking a break in January when Como signed another goalkeeper, Reina decided it was time to retire. “I spoke with my wife, and I knew it was the moment, and this time, I’m serious,” he said.

Post-retirement, Reina will not stray too far from football; he plans to coach the Villarreal youth team. “My experiences with various coaches and cultures have helped me understand the game a lot. I will learn from the good while trying to avoid repeating the bad,” he said.

During his career, he won 13 titles, including the FA Cup and Community Shield with Liverpool and the Coppa Italia with Napoli. Reina underscored his role as a crucial team player rather than just a key player on the pitch.

Reina represented Spain 37 times, primarily as a backup to Iker Casillas. However, he was vital in holding the team together and celebrated widely during their title-winning festivities. “Every moment has been meaningful, and I will always cherish my time in football,” he concluded.

This Friday, the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium will witness a historic farewell, marking the end of a remarkable 25-year career as a professional athlete.