Lecce player retires due to heart condition: ‘We saved his life’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona midfielder Joan Gonzalez has been forced to retire aged 23 after Lecce medics diagnosed him with a heart condition. ‘We saved his life.’

The player was a product of the Barcelona youth academy and made the move to Lecce’s youth team in 2021.

He made his way up to the senior squad, with 64 Serie A appearances in which he scored two goals and provided four assists.

Last summer, Lecce medics spotted an irregularity in his pre-season tests and ordered further investigation.

Specialists suggested he wait a year to see if the situation could be improved with treatment, but as the results remain the same, he decided to hang up his boots.

Lecce looking out for Gonzalez

LECCE, ITALY – MAY 18: Joan Gonzalez of Lecce competes for the ball with Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta during the Serie A TIM match between US Lecce and Atalanta BC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 18, 2024 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“We saved his life,” said Lecce President Saverio Sticchi Damiani during a press conference at the end of the season.

“I have to congratulate our medical staff and the cardiologist Professor Tondo, because they discovered this irregularity and saved the lad’s life. I also compliment Gonzalez, because he received the news with great calm.

“Joan is already studying economics, and I hope he will become a great business manager.”

Having been off the field for a full year already, Gonzalez did not waste time and had already been enrolled at university to study economics and business, hoping to have a future in football behind the scenes.