Cristian Rodriguez hangs up his boots aged 37

BeSoccer 1 year ago 1.1k |

Reading time: minutes

Cristian Rodriguez has retired from professional football. Screenshot/@OficialCAP

Cristian Rodriguez announced on Tuesday that he is retiring from professional football at the age of 37. "The example of a player and a fan of the club", Penarol said.

Uruguayan footballer Cristian Rodriguez put an end to his career as a professional, in which he became one of the most successful players in Uruguay's history.

Although the footballer did not write any message on social media, he did share messages from several ex-teammates after the news broke.

One of those was Uruguay captain Diego Godin: "Pride and especially appreciation for everything we've shared together. You always helped me and because I could share a thousand battles with a friend. I wish you the best always."

Another was from Spanish player Mario Suarez, who Rodriguez played alongside during his time at Atletico Madrid.

Born in Juan Lacaze in September 1985, Rodriguez began his professional career in 2002 at Penarol.

Then, he went to PSG (2005-07), Benfica (2007-08), Porto (2008-2012), Atletico Madrid (2012-15), Parma, Gremio (both 2015) and Independiente (2015-17).

In that final year, he returned to Penarol, where he was the captain. He won the Uruguayan Championship twice and became one of the main figures in the 'Clasicos' there.

In 2021, the player left the club he loved and signed for Plaza Colonia, who are from the province in which he was born. He also won a trophy there.

Throughout his career, Rodriguez won 25 trophies and won two European competitions: the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.

He also earned 110 caps for Uruguay between 2003 and 2018 and scored 11 goals. He played in two World Cups, four Copa Americas, a Confederations Cup and he lifted the 2011 Copa America.