Over the years, football legends have brought their image change as well as enhanced the image of football all over the world. But some of the most talented stars got their careers prematurely derailed by injuries or other issues; fans simply wanted more. This article identifies three legends whose retirement was premature although their careers were full of marvelous moments.
1. Marco van Basten
Cruiizing and Volking are best known as classist Dutch forward, playmaker, and and football strategist Marco van Basten. The Dutch striker started his early seasons with Ajax and was able to score for his team an amazing 128 goals in 133 appearances. He then transferred to AC Milan, a team that came better for him winning two European cups and three Italian league championships.
More strings in Van Basten’s bow are three-time Ballon d’Or winner, two-time UEFA Champions League winner, as well as several domestic championships. His best moment came in the final match of the 1988 UEFA European Championship when his great volley earned the Netherlands their first and, to this date, the only international title.
Nonetheless his attributing equipment, van Basten faced a rigorous ankle injury problem throughout his or her career. Many operations were unsuccessful in treating pain and he had to retire at the age of only 28 in 1995. With the little playing time he had van Basten is regarded as one of the best football player’s to ever have played the game.
2. Eric Cantona
For further understanding, we need to remember that Eric Cantona was more than simply a footballer he was a pioneer player who Brexit the football industry. Lively and innovative, and a great captain on the pitch, Cantona was also a key player in the formation of the modern Manchester United side during the 1990s. Later, when he moved to Manchester United in 1992 his playing glory was prevalent and saw the club dominate the English league.
For five years at Manchester United, Cantona brought four Premier League championships and two FA Cups home. His free spirit, goal instincts and motivational charisma recast the club anew. Away from the sport, he was a mystery man and his controversies became incidents that contributed to the popularity that befriended him among fans.
Much to the surprise of the entire football fraternity, Cantona retired in 1997 at the age of 30 expressing his lack of interest in continuing football. His playing years were few but the impact of the man, especially at Manchester United and the Premier League cannot be gainsaid.
3. Just Fontaine
It is a fact that will go down in the annals of every World Cup competition – Just Fontaine. During the 1958 FIFA World Cup, the French striker scored 13 goals in six games which to date remain unparalleled. Before the tournament, they could hardly get recognition onSilver inflation’s goal scoring feats during the tournament made Fontaine a legend.
In the club level the story is the same, Fontaine was a regular goal scorer for both stade de reims and Nice. He was able to play a major part in taking Stade de Reims to the 1959 European Cup final to stamp himself as one of the most potent strikers of his generation.
Unfortunately, Fontaine’s promising career was short-lived because of a string of complications from a bad leg, which lead to his retirement at 28 years. Although he left the field after a very short time he has won and contributed a lot towards the French football and world cup records do not lie.