BARCELONA, 12 Apr. (SportsFinding) –
Barça’s Brazilian player Leandro Rodrigues Bernardes, ‘Esquerdinha’, has announced his retirement at the end of the season, putting an end to a long career of 17 years in the futsal elite.
“It’s the most difficult decision I’ve made in my life, but I think it’s time to close a stage as a professional athlete. Cycles are over and understanding this I think is essential to not live it with anguish,” Esquerdinha explained in a video shared on the club’s social networks.
The Brazilian center admitted that he will miss playing and seeing the pavilions full, but “life is not just futsal”. Thus, the player highlighted life off the track, which makes it “easier” to make the decision, although without forgetting “the affection of the people”.
At 36 years old, Esquerdinha will say goodbye to Barça and futsal after five seasons at the Barça club with a record of 13 titles and 87 goals, which can still be extended until June 30.
“It has been a privilege to play for Barça and I hope to close this stage with the two remaining titles, the ‘Champions’ and the league,” he added about his aspirations for the last stretch of the season of his career.
In the five seasons he has played for Barça, Esquerdinha has scored 87 goals and has won one Champions League, two league titles, three Spanish Cups, three King’s Cups, two Super Cups and two Catalunya Cups.
The Brazilian has been one of the best players in the world in the last decade and has also played with El Pozo, Cartagena, Caja Segovia, Dina de Moscow and is international with Russia.