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Former Real Madrid youth star forced to retire at 19
Former Real Madrid youth star Marc Cucalón has been forced to retire at age 19 after being unable to overcome a severe knee injury.
Cucalón was known as one of the best holding midfielder prospects in Spain before suffering a torn ACL during a UEFA Youth League match in September 2022.
The issue took a turn for the worse when Cucalón was hit by a bacterial infection during surgery, damaging the cartilage in his knee. Cucalón fought to come back for two years but on Tuesday, the youngster once compared to Xabi Alonso was forced to retire.
"After several complications, that injury has forced me to make the tough decision to say goodbye to football, at least in the way I had always dreamed of," Cucalón wrote in an Instagram post.
"For these past two years I have struggled physically and mentally with all my might and I have tried everything in my power to enjoy this sport again, but it has not been possible to recover."
Though Cucalón's career sadly ended before it really started, the teenager attempted to put a brave face on his challenging journey.
"Don't get me wrong: this is not a sad farewell at all," he continued.
"After all, I think I have been truly privileged to have been part of the best club in the world and to have lived a dream. I’ve learned and matured as a person and as a player.
"I carry with me for the rest of my life the values that have been instilled in me and, of course, football has taught me in every triumph and in every defeat: you always have to overcome and keep fighting to overcome obstacles. Those lessons will be part of my life forever."
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