Gonzalo Higuain was left sobbing on the pitch after his playing career ended in brutal style, with Inter Miami crashing out of the MLS Play-Offs with a 3-0 defeat to reigning MLS Cup holders New York City FC.
The striker was filmed hunched over on the turf crying into his hands as not only did he have to come to terms with a brutal exit, but it also condemned his fate after making the decision that it would be his final season. The 34-year-old retires as a legendary figure, winning trophies with Real Madrid, Napoli, Juventus and Chelsea.
Higuain has hung up his boots after enjoying his best season with Miami, scoring 16 goals in 28 games for Phil Neville 's side. And the Argentine stated after the game: "The dream is over and another life begins."
It was always going to be a tough ask for Miami, who were facing MLS champions NYCFC away at Citi field. But they managed to get to half-time with the scores still level, and there was a sense of hope in the air.
But a rampant second period for the hosts blew Miami away, as goals from Gabriel Pereira and Maximiliano Moralez were followed by a strike by Heber, to send them through. But despite the result reducing Higuain to tears, he said he could walk away with his head held high.
After the defeat, Higuain said: "I felt like what I had loved the most as a job had ended. It was half my life, my career, 17-and-a-half years.
"Images from my entire career came to my mind. What I lived, what I worked, what I experienced and I’m leaving very happy because I gave it all until today. That's the most important thing."
It'll be a huge role for Neville to fill at Miami, as Higuain was a major part of the club's success after being formed just four years ago. But the Miami boss gave a touching message to his now former striker, paying tribute to his efforts over the years.
"We said to [Gonzalo] that he’s leaving in exactly the right way he should be leaving," Neville said of Higuain. "With the goals he’s scored, the happiness with which he’s played, the way he has embraced his teammates and carried them, is exactly what we expect, and I think he can be massively proud.
"He trains every single day like a lion. Even through the moments that were difficult, he trained every single day and never lost that hunger. He’s a champion. We’ve had a champion. I’ve coached a champion. We’ve played and trained with a champion every single day.
"He’s set an incredible example of durability, quality of goals, the ability to play right to the very last whistle, and the ability to inspire your teammates. As a club, we’re proud to have had him as one of our first Designated Players ever.
"He helped us get to the playoffs, and he can now go and enjoy his retirement. We wish him all the best, and he will always be welcomed at Inter Miami CF."
