Rubén de la Red announced today that he has decided to retire from professional football, due to his heart problems. During a press conference at Valdebebas this morning with Jorge Valdano, the canterano said, “today I announce my retirement, due to a problem with my heart, but my heart still beats for el madridismo.”
Two years ago, Rubén fainted in a Copa del Rey game against Irún, and hasn’t played since then. Doctors still aren’t sure exactly what is wrong with him, but he’s going to continue receiving treatment and doing tests. Rubén will now move on to become an employee of Real Madrid, and the intention is for him to end up coaching one of the teams in the cantera, probably starting next season.
He continued, “I’m excited and anxious to start this new stage with the club. I always dreamed of being a footballer and triumphing here, at the greatest club in the world, which has seen me grow up from the benjamines level. Now, I want to do it as a coach.” With regards to José Mourinho, he said, “from the first day he was aware of the situation. He spoke frankly to me, he told me that if I could play, he would count one me, and if not, he would be happy for me to form part of his staff.”
Meanwhile, Valdano said, “today is a day of change in the life of Rubén de la Red; he had the intention of saying goodbye. He’s decided that his career as a footballer has ended, and from now on he’ll be integrated with the coaching staff.” He also said that the sides have terminated Rubén’s previous contract as a player (and that Madrid was as generous as they could possibly be) and that they have signed a new one in accordance with Rubén’s new status.
Rubén got a bit emotional during the press conference (especially at the moment when he revealed his decision, and when he thanked his wife Tania and his two children) which just proves how much love he has for this game, and for this club. ¡Mucha suerte Rubén!
Meanwhile, Salamanca player Miguel García, who fainted in a similar incident several weeks ago, also announced his retirement from football yesterday. Mucha suerte to Miguel as well!
Watch a video here.