Bojan Krkic has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32. The player revealed the decision at an event held at Camp Nou, while also maintaining that the decision was not related to his injuries.
He most recently played for Vissel Kobe in Japan, alongside his former Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta. Bojan left the club in January, and has now officially decided to end this chapter of his life.
Bojan Krkic retires from football at 32
“These decisions are not easy. I have been away from home for 12 years and I feel fulfilled professionally,” Bojan said. “I wanted to enjoy the next stage [of my life] closer to my family. It’s not a physical issue.
“I have had three injuries, but I recovered, I am 100%. It is a feeling, it’s the reality. I am more excited about doing other things now than to keep playing football. I am grateful for everything I have experienced.
“I have played for Barcelona, I’ve played with great players, I have won trophies and I have played in other leagues. But I am ready to start new things now.”
When he came through the La Masia academy, Bojan Krkic was dubbed the next Lionel Messi. He scored 900 goals for the club’s youth teams, but failed to perform similarly at the senior level due to anxiety attacks and injuries.