In a heart-wrenching farewell, Marc Cucalón, the 19-year-old Real Madrid youth academy player, has officially announced his retirement from football due to a debilitating knee injury. After battling for over two years, a bacterial infection that attacked the cartilage in his right knee following surgery for a torn cruciate ligament has left the talented midfielder with no choice but to hang up his boots.

The nightmare began on September 6, 2022, during a Youth League match in Glasgow, when a tackle caused the injury that would ultimately end his career. Despite undergoing surgery and fighting to recover, complications from the injury persisted, and Cucalón was left unable to return to the game he loved. In an emotional letter, he shared his gratitude, heartbreak, and resilience.

"Thank you to everyone for all the support you have given me throughout this time," Cucalón began, recalling his journey from joining Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2016 to enduring the painful decision to leave the sport. Reflecting on the injury that changed his life, he wrote: "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."

Though the ordeal has been grueling, Cucalón expressed gratitude for his time at Real Madrid and the lessons learned on and off the pitch. His message was one of hope, as he embraced the values instilled in him and looked forward to the next chapter in his life: "Now I have a new stage ahead of me, a new life in which I am sure I will apply all the experiences that have marked me until today."

In closing, Cucalón offered a heartfelt thanks to his family, friends, and Real Madrid, which stood by him during his difficult journey.

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