Real Madrid youngster, 19, forced to retire with injuries from horror tackle
Real Madrid wonderkid Marc Cucalon has been sidelined for the past two seasons after a serious knee injury and has now been forced to hang up his boots after failing to recover
by Daniel Orme · The MirrorReal Madrid starlet Marc Cucalon has been forced into retirement at just 19 after complications due to a serious knee injury.
The young midfielder is a product of the club’s academy having joined the side from Real Zaragoza in 2016. Cucalon had made a host of appearances for the Spanish giants’ under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League.
But the youngster saw his development brought to a halt in 2022 as he suffered a cruciate ligament injury following a horror tackle against Celtic. And while the initial prognosis was for a long-term injury, he was expected to make a full recovery.
But Cucalon has now been forced to hang up his boots after complications in his rehabilitation. An operation on the midfielder’s injury accidentally caused bacteria to enter his body, causing an infection which damaged the cartilage of his knee.
Cucalon persisted with his comeback despite being in serious pain. But the youngster was unable to complete his recovery due to being unable to complete moderate levels if exercise.
Announcing his retirement on social media, he said: “I didn't know how to start this letter. So I'll do it by saying THANK YOU to everyone. From the bottom of my heart. For all the support you have given me throughout this time.
“I arrived at the Real Madrid youth team in the summer of 2016 as a child with a backpack full of dreams and I have been very, very happy. And the truth is that my life changed completely on September 6, 2022, when I was seriously injured in a match of the @uefayouthleague.
“After several complications, that injury has forced me to make the tough decision to say GOODBYE to football, at least in the way I had always dreamed of. During these last two years I have fought physically and mentally with all my strength and I have tried everything in my power to enjoy this sport again, but it has not been possible to recover. Although do not get me wrong: this is not a sad farewell at all.
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“After all, I think I have been truly privileged to have been part of the best club in the world and to have lived a dream. I have learned and matured as a person and as a player.
“I will take with me for the rest of my life the values that have been instilled in me and, of course, football has taught me in every victory and in every defeat: you always have to overcome and keep fighting to overcome obstacles. Those lessons will be part of my life forever.
“It is time to look back and be grateful to all the people who have been by my side on this journey. Endless thanks to my family. Thanks to my parents, who have always supported me in every decision and every obstacle in my path.
“It is true that leaving home to fulfill my dream was difficult. But seeing their happy faces when they saw me enjoying myself on the field became my greatest pride. Thanks also to my friends, the unconditional ones who have never let me down.”
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