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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Real youth player retires at 19</li><li>Suffered a rare knee infection</li><li>Last played in September, 2022</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Real Madrid midfielder announces shock retirement in emotional letter after struggles with rare infection

LaLiga

Leganes

Real Madrid

<p>The midfielder ruptured his ACL during a UEFA Youth League game against Celtic in September 2022. He then went under the knife, however, during the surgery, he suffered a rare bacterial infection in his knee. Cucalon has not featured in any match for Los Blancos in the last two years. On Tuesday, the 19-year-old took to social media to announce he has decided to hang up his boots in a bid to prioritise his health.</p><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCR7pnIoDqq/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The youngster shared his retirement news on Instagram in a heartbreaking post, which read: "I didn't know how to start this letter. So I'll do it by saying THANK YOU to everyone. From the heart. For all the support you have given me during this time. I arrived at the Real Madrid quarry in the summer of 2016 as a kid with a backpack full of dreams and I was very, very happy. And the truth that my life changed completely on September 6, 2022, when I was seriously injured in a basketball @uefayouthleague. 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.</p><p>"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 from it. Don't get me wrong: this is not a sad farewell at all. 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."</p><p>Cucalon added: "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. It is time to look back and be thankful for all the people who have been beside me on this journey. Endless thanks to my family. Thanks to my parents, who have always supported me in every decision and every stone along the way. It's true that leaving home to fulfill my dream was difficult. But seeing their faces of happiness when they saw me enjoying on the playground became my greatest pride. Thanks also to my friends, the unconditional ones who have never failed me."</p><p></p>

WHAT MARC CUCALON SAID

<p>Cucalon was a highly-rated midfielder in La Fabrica and was lovingly compared to ex-Real playmaker Xabi Alonso. The tragic end to the teenager's promising career comes as a huge blow to the player as well as Los Blancos.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Carlo Ancelotti's Real side, who are currently trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by six points, will be back in action after the international break on November 24 as they face Leganes away from home.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Real Madrid midfielder announces shock retirement in emotional letter after struggles with rare infection | Goal.com South Africa

Real Madrid youth player Marc Cucalon has retired from football aged 19 due to a rare infection.