Chelsea star reveals he nearly quit football due to mother's illness
What's the story?
New Chelsea signing Gonzalo Higuain has revealed that he almost retired from professional football a few years ago due to the life-threatening illness of his mother. He claimed that while she was his top priority, he decided to continue playing because she asked him not to give up on something that he loved.
In case you didn't know...
Gonzalo Higuain is one of the best strikers in Europe in modern-day football, and he is always ranked alongside the likes of Luis Suarez, Robert Lewandowski and Sergio Aguero. He has a staggering total of 290 senior club goals in 578 appearances, and has thereby established himself as one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
However, he decided to quit the beautiful game due to personal issues after he learned about his mother Nancy's illness. This happened following Argentina's defeat to Chile in the Copa America final.
The heart of the matter
While speaking to the Mirror, Higuain explained how his heartache could have ended his career. He said:
“I decided immediately that I must stop playing football so that I could look after my mum, I suspected something was wrong at home during the Copa America, but it was still a huge shock when I was told the truth."
He continued:
“I felt guilty, because I played in that final without knowing. My whole world came crashing down in that moment. I was not interested in anything else but my mum. I told her I was finished with football and if it had been down to me I would have stopped playing."
Higuain also revealed what his mother said to him, explaining:
“Her reply was that when I played football it made her happy. She told me that she would not allow me to give up something I loved. She asked me to carry on for her — and I knew I had to grant that wish."
What's next?
Higuain is expected to start in the FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday, as confirmed by assistant coach Gianfranco Zola ahead of the game. The Blues then face-off against Bournemouth on 31 January as Premier League action returns.
Also read: Chelsea v Sheffield Wednesday: Match Preview, Predicted XI, Team News | FA Cup 2018-19