Mexico goalkeeping icon Ochoa retires after sixth World Cup
· Yahoo Sports
Mexico goalkeeping icon Guillermo Ochoa on Tuesday announced his retirement after more than 20 years as a professional, bringing his career to a close following the home World Cup.
"I take with me the affection of millions and the peace of mind that comes with knowing I gave everything for Mexico," the 41-year-old wrote on social media, just days after the World Cup final.
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Ochoa became one of only three players to feature at six World Cups during the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, alongside Argentina's Lionel Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I never imagined how far a dream could take me," Ochoa wrote.
Images of the veteran goalkeeper in tears after Mexico's 3-2 defeat by England in the last 16 were seen around the world.
Ochoa was Mexico's first-choice goalkeeper at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, having travelled to the 2006 and 2010 tournaments as a back-up.
Raul Rangel was preferred as the number one this time, but coach Javier Aguirre brought Ochoa on shortly before the end of Mexico's 3-0 win over the Czech Republic in their final group game, giving him an emotional farewell on the pitch.
Ochoa wrote in his retirement message: "Being a goalkeeper means knowing you might wait 90 minutes for a single moment when everything depends on you. And when that moment arrives, you cannot hesitate."