Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has suggested he intends to hang up his gloves following the FIFA World Cup, conceding he "sees no meaning" in continuing his playing career without international soccer.
The 40-year-old is participating in a record-equalling sixth World Cup, matching the accomplishment of fellow soccer icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ochoa, who will turn 41 during the tournament, has featured in every Mexico World Cup roster since 2006.
Reflecting on his decision to step away from the game after the competition, Ochoa stated that representing Mexico has been the defining purpose of both his career and his life, acknowledging that soccer no longer carries the same significance for him without international duty, as per The Mirror US.
In an emotional interview with FIFA as part of its "Letters That Unite" series, Ochoa was brought to tears as he read a heartfelt message from his daughter, Lucciana. The touching moment illuminated the personal side of one of Mexico's most enduring soccer figures as he looked back on a career stretching across more than two decades.
The discussion soon shifted to Ochoa's future in the sport, with the veteran goalkeeper indicating that his retirement may extend beyond international soccer.
Having previously suggested that the current World Cup would signal the conclusion of his time with Mexico, Ochoa hinted that he could also bring his club career to a close, suggesting that the tournament may represent the final chapter of his playing days entirely.
He stated: "I started playing at the age of 10, 10 years in which, between school and football, there's been little time to do the things children usually do.
"There are things you have to decide on and sacrifice when you're so young. School trips, graduation trips, being able to go on an exchange to another country to study, so many things you miss out on.
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"So, it's all been a never-ending cycle for over 22 or 23 years, with little time for holidays, for the family, to take them out. And the Mexican national team has always been my compass, my direction in my career, my life.
"I can't imagine my career without the national team. I don't know what my career would be like without the national team. And now that my time with the national team is ending, I don't see any more meaning in football, I don't see any more meaning in continuing to play. I don't see the point in keeping on playing."
Ochoa was compelled once more to halt and gather himself as emotion swept over him during the conversation. Struggling to hold back tears and speaking through clenched teeth, the veteran goalkeeper continued: "I've enjoyed each moment here. I gave it my all. I leave peacefully and with my head held high and I am proud to have experienced this."
Ochoa remained on the bench as Mexico launched its World Cup campaign with a 2-0 triumph over South Africa last week, observing from the sidelines as the co-hosts secured a victorious opening to the tournament.
Whether the veteran goalkeeper will feature in Mexico's remaining Group A fixtures against South Korea and the Czech Republic remains to be seen. Should he fail to take to the field again, Ochoa may have already made the final appearance of his illustrious career — not only for Mexico, but in professional soccer as a whole.
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
