Samu Castillejo announces retirement from football at age 31

Samu Castillejo has announced his retirement from professional football today, Saturday, at the age of 31, after a career that spanned several years in Spanish, Italian, and Malaysian football, during which he won the Serie A title with AC Milan in the 2021-2022 season.

Castillejo announced his retirement through a video posted on his social media accounts, where he delivered an emotional farewell message to football, affirming that the game has been more than just a profession throughout his life; it has been his passion, lifestyle, and the dream that has accompanied him since childhood.

The player said in his message: "Dear football, after a long journey, it is time to say goodbye to professional football. I never imagined that writing these words would be so difficult. Throughout my life, football has been much more than just a profession; it has been my passion, my way of life, and the dream I have had since my childhood."

He added: "I would like to thank everyone who has shared a part of this beautiful journey with me, my teammates, coaches, staff, clubs, and fans. Many of you have left a piece of your heart with me, and you have helped me grow, mature, and develop as a person."

The Spanish star continued to express his gratitude to his family, saying: "I owe you everything, as you have been and continue to be the cornerstone of my life. Thank you for accompanying me and providing advice at every step, and for teaching me that a person always comes before a football player."

Castillejo reflected on the highlights of his career, from his beginnings at his hometown club Málaga to winning the Serie A title with AC Milan, adding: "Thank you, football, for allowing me to live much more than that innocent child from the Huélin neighborhood ever dreamed of. I bid you farewell feeling proud, grateful, and happy, because I always tried to give my best, both as a player and as a person. Thank you for everything."

Castillejo began his career with Málaga, making his first-team debut during the 2014-2015 season, before moving to Villarreal in the summer of 2015, where he spent three seasons with the team. He then had his most notable European experience wearing the AC Milan jersey between 2018 and 2022.

The player has made 113 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists, and was part of the team that won the Serie A title under coach Stefano Pioli in the 2021-2022 season.

After leaving AC Milan, Castillejo played for Valencia, then moved to US Sassuolo on loan, before experiencing his last stint with Johor in the Malaysian league over the past two seasons. The player had been without a club since leaving the Malaysian team, before announcing his final decision to end his professional career.

The possibility of Castillejo returning to Málaga had been raised in previous periods, especially during the summer of 2024, but the club's management did not proceed with bringing him back to the team. The player also received offers to continue playing, including opportunities in different leagues, but he decided to retire and settle in his hometown near his family, while still staying connected to football through his own academy.

Thus, Castillejo concludes his professional career, which saw him play for several clubs in Spain, Italy, and Malaysia, in addition to representing Spain's youth national teams.