Lavezzi Announces Retirement From Football

Former Argentina, Paris Saint Germain and Napoli winger Ezequiel Lavezzi has announced his retirement from professional football.

Lavezzi Announces Retirement From Football

The 34-year-old spent the last three years of his career in the Chinese Super League with Hebei China Fortune after joining from Paris Saint Germain in February 2016.

Lavezzi started his career in his native Argentina with Estudiantes and San Lorenzo before moving to Europe, where he joined Napoli in the summer of 2007.

Lavezzi’s only trophy at the Stadio San Paulo came in the shape of the 2011/2012 Coppa Italia before he transferred to Paris Saint Germain for a transfer fee of €26.5m.

His time in France was more successful as he won three Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de la Ligues, two Trophee des champions and one Coupe de France.

“They were amazing years of this story,” Lavezzi said in a post on Twitter.

“Years marked by learning, unique moments and lots of memories that will stay in my heart for good.

“I am forever grateful for those who have stayed by my side throughout this journey. With lots of joy, I say goodbye to the most amazing phase life has given me. I’ve been extremely happy!”

Lavezzi won 51 caps for the Argentina national team and scored nine goals.

He was part of the Argentina side that won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympic games but finished runners up at the 2015 and 2016 Copa America tournaments as well as the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.