Gabriel Batistuta has announced his retirement from professional football on March 14, 2005. In an official statement to the press he said, "I am retiring as a professional footballer. Thank-you for all the affection that you have given me. Everything has a end, training for me was not the same any more, my enthusiasm was waning. So the time arrived to say goodbye to football. I'm ready for other challenges. I told the club that the motivation I once had was not there any more and we reached an agreement." Batistuta said his retirement was "definitive" but added that he would still remain active in the game. "I will certainly continue in football in a different role," he said.
His career is a symbol of loyalty, professionalism and excellence. He stayed loyal to Fiorentina, even though Fiorentina were minnows in Europe, and he could have opted for any club he wanted. He even stuck it with Fiorentina when they went down to Serie B and helped them bounce back.
All us Batigol fans were hoping that he would consider a move to the EPL or maybe return to Fiore, but it was not to be. His first season in Qatar was absolutely stunning, as expected, but his second season did not see him in action. At first he was injured for the start of the season, but after he was declared fit, he did not take to the field and eventually announced his retirement.
Here's wishing him Luck in his future endeavours.
All the Best Batigol! There will be none like you!
