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Veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina has officially announced retirement from professional football at the age of 42, concluding a remarkable 26-year career. Reina, currently with Serie A side Como under the management of former teammate Cesc Fàbregas, will play his final match against Inter Milan this week. In an interview with Movistar+, Reina expressed that he felt it was the right time to retire, having made the decision earlier this year after discussions with his wife. He cited a lack of excitement and the feeling that he could no longer contribute at the same level as reasons for his decision.
Reina's professional journey began with Barcelona's youth academy, leading to his senior debut in 2000. He gained prominence at Villarreal, helping the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time. In 2005, he joined Liverpool, where he became a club legend over eight seasons, making 394 appearances and securing 177 clean sheets. During his time with the Reds, Reina won the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Super Cup, and earned the Premier League Golden Glove award for most clean sheets in each of his first three seasons.
Reina set to transition into coaching with Villarreal’s U-19 team: Reports
Following his tenure at Liverpool, Reina's career included stints with several top European clubs. He played for Bayern Munich, where he became the first goalkeeper to play in Europe's top four leagues. His time in Italy saw him guard the nets for Napoli, AC Milan, Lazio, and a return to Villarreal before joining Como. Throughout his club career, Reina amassed nearly 1,000 appearances and over 300 clean sheets.
On the international stage, Reina earned 36 caps for Spain and was part of the squads that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. Known for his leadership and camaraderie, he was a beloved figure in the national team setup. Looking ahead, Reina is set to transition into coaching, taking charge of Villarreal's Under-19 team.
