Deulofeu eyes retirement after terminating Udinese contract

Spain's Gerard Deulofeu agreed on Thursday with Udinese to terminate his contract due to a cartilage infection that complicated his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury in his right knee suffered in 2022, although both parties made it clear that in the event he is able to play again they will resume activity together.

Deulofeu, who was injured against Napoli on 12 November 2022 and has not played since 22 January 2023, explained his post-operative complications in an interview with "Sky Sports Italia".

"I've been through a bad period, 2 years ago I broke my cruciate against Napoli, but I recovered and was able to play with the broken cruciate against Sampdoria shortly after. The bad news came after that game, when I found out I had to have surgery," he said.

"Unfortunately, after the surgery I suffered a cartilage infection. I've been fighting for two years against something that is almost beyond biology. I'm better now than I was a few months ago, but let's see what happens," he added.

The player also expressed his desire to play again for Udinese: "I have always had an incredible relationship with Udinese and the fact that they have supported me and are waiting for me has a lot of value. If one day I play again, I have no doubt that it will be with this shirt, for this club and for these people who have always helped me".

"We have reached an agreement to terminate the contract, but the relationship and support remains special," he said. For its part, the club showed its support for the player with an official statement. "Udinese Calcio and Gerard Deulofeu jointly communicate an update on the conditions of the Catalan champion 2 years after the knee problem that forces him to stay away from the pitch," the club said.

"Geri is part of the Udinese family and continues to fight, with the continued support of the club and all the fans, to make everyone enjoy himself again, as he has always done, on the pitch," added Udinese.