Former Barcelona teen prodigy Bojan Krkic retires from football at 32

Former Barcelona forward, Bojan Krkic, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32.

Speaking at his retirement press conference, Bojan revealed that leaving Barcelona for Stoke City was one of the toughest moments of his career.

The Catalan forward began his football career at Barcelona and enjoyed two years in Italy with Roma and Milan before returning to Camp Nou in 2013.

However, his hopes of sustaining his Barcelona career were dashed when he was sold to Premier League side Stoke in July 2014. Bojan left Vissel Kobe earlier this year after several nomadic seasons that followed the end of his second spell at Barcelona.

Bojan’s retirement news was somewhat overshadowed earlier in the week when Gerard Pique let slip his retirement plans, stealing the thunder from Bojan’s announcement.

Nevertheless, several notable football figures paid tribute to Bojan, including former Stoke manager Mark Hughes, centre-back Ryan Shawcross, Rafael Nadal, Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, Patrick Kluivert, and Xavi.

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At his retirement press conference, Bojan expressed gratitude for their messages and support throughout his career.

Looking at the highs and lows of his career, Bojan said: “The most gratifying part was the first night at Camp Nou, the first goal, entering the professional world.

“There have been several toughest moments. When I signed for Stoke City it was tough, because I cut the umbilical cord that attached me to the club.”

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Bojan scored 41 goals in 166 official games for Barcelona, making his debut under Frank Rijkaard in September 2017 and scoring in the Champions League and LaLiga as a 17-year-old.

He was a hot prospect at that age who never developed into the world-beater many thought he would become, despite playing under coaches including Pep Guardiola and Massimiliano Allegri.

At Stoke, he scored seven goals in his second Premier League season, his best return for the Potters.

After joining Stoke, he had loans at Mainz and Alaves, before heading to MLS side CF Montreal and finishing his playing days with Vissel Kobe in Japan.

“All the coaches make a mark on you. But the most, Frank Rijkaard,” Bojan said.

“He gave me the opportunity and continuity to back myself. Without him, my career would not have been possible.”

He is planning to take coaching badges and stay in football, saying it would make him “very happy” if an opportunity at Barcelona ever came up.

There will be one final match for Bojan, a farewell game for the Catalan regional team.

“The federation is working to find a match at the beginning of June,” he said.