Table of Contents
- Legendary Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina has announced retirement from professional football at the age of 42
- His decision to retire closes a chapter of a successful career decorated with the FIFA World Cup, European Championship, FA Cup and Bundesliga, among other titles
Legendary Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina has announced retirement from professional football at the age of 42. The well known guardian of the post, who is currently signed to Italian side Como, confirmed that he’ll be taking his final bow this Friday when his side plays their final Serie A match of the season.
Reina boasts a stellar career which includes spells with Premier League giants Liverpool, German side Bayern Munich, and Spanish clubs FC Barcelona and Villareal. His decision to retire closes a chapter of a successful career decorated with the FIFA World Cup, European Championship, FA Cup and Bundesliga, among other titles.
In a heartfelt announcement via his X page, Reina gave his gratitude to everyone who has supported him throughout his football career.
Pepe Reina. Photo/ Liverpool FC.
“It has been much longer than I ever dreamed, yet it feels so short that I’d live it all over again. With only three days left until the ‘last dance’, so many emotions, people, and memories come to my mind, and all I can do is sum them up in one huge THANK YOU.” He wrote.
The former Spain international also revealed that he has new projects on the way.
“See you soon. New projects are coming, and football runs through my veins… I couldn’t understand life without it.” He added.
As Reina prepares to play his final match on Friday, the football world will be ready to salute his extraordinary career which has spanned over two decades.
Pepe Reina Football Career
Jose Manuel Reina Paez, born on 31 August 1982, comes from a family with history in the beautiful game as his father Miguel Reina was a professional footballer who played for top clubs such as Cordoba, FC Barcelona and Athletic Madrid.
Pepe Reina took his early steps in football at the famed La Masia academy and progressed through the youth system playing for various age groups. He received his first call to the Barcelona senior team in 2008 at the age of 18 after first and second choice goalkeepers Richard Dutruel and Francesc Arnau sustained injuries.
Reina was handed his debut on 2 December in Barca’s 3-3 draw with Celta Vigo. He went on to make 19 La Liga appearances for the remained of the 2000-01 season. After two years with the senior team, the Spain international joined Villareal in the summer of 2002.
During his first spell at Villareal, Reina played a crucial role as the club clinched UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2003 and 2004. His goalkeeping prowess caught the attention of Liverpool who signed him in the summer of 2005. He spent nine years at Liverpool, including a short loan spell at Napoli before joining the club on a permanent deal. His career also includes spells at AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Lazio, Villareal and Como.
As already indicated, Reina will play his final match this weekend when Como host Inter Milan in a match that will play a significant role in the Serie A title race. Inter are currently second on the Serie A standings with 78 points, just one behind leaders Napoli.
Pepe Reina. Photo/ Goal.com.
Como, who are led by Cesc Fabregas, have finished in the top 10 of the Serie A standings after securing promotion from Serie B last season. They are unbeaten in their last ten matches and will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run on the last day of the season.
What Next For Pepe Reina?
According to sources, Reina will be returning to his former club Villareal after the end of this season for a new role. The Madrid-born goalie will start his coaching career at the club by taking charge of Villarreal’s U-19 team (Juvenil A) next season.
Esportbase Media reports that Villareal had earlier contacted Reina to take charge of their youth team and the 42-year-old accepted the offer. Reina has history with the Spanish side considering he had two different spells with them.
