“I have fought with all my strength,” he said in a letter to the academy.

His decision comes after a challenging two-year battle with a bacterial infection that complicated his recovery from a torn ligament in his right knee, an injury he sustained during a UEFA Youth League match in September 2022.

The injury usually allows athletes to recover through extensive rehabilitation. Unfortunately, Cucalon’s situation took a turn for the worse when bacteria entered during surgery, leading to a rare and debilitating infection that damaged the cartilage in his knee, ultimately preventing any chance of returning to the sport.

He expressed his deep sorrow over the situation and acknowledged the toll the infection took on both his health and his ability to engage in even moderate exercise. Ultimately, after consulting with medical professionals, Cucalon realised that retiring was the best choice for his well-being.

“One must always overcome and keep fighting,” he said and thanked the club, his family, and friends who supported him through each step of the challenging battle.