Though many fans would hope otherwise, some renowned players have reached the end of their playing careers. Here is a list of some fan favourites who will not be making the cut for the World Cup in 2014.
Rafael Marquez who is the current captain of the Mexican national team will be thirty five years old in 2014. He is still a decent player but someone in his or her mid thirties will not be able to perform at the same level as someone much
younger. The Mexican is already considering semi-retirement and a possible move to the MLS.
Diego Forlan may have taken home the Golden ball, but considering he is currently thirty one years old now and will be thirty five in 2014 means that he may be hanging up his international boots sooner rather than later. He is easily one
of the best strikers in the world right now and most Uruguayan fans do not even want to think about him not being in the team in the future.
Thierry Henry would be almost thirty seven for the 2014 World Cup. Most fans would argue that considering his fitness that would not be an issue, but Henry would refuse to participate because he himself would know that he would not be able
to deliver the same performances he could have in the past.
Juan Sebastian Veron would have never played in the Argentinean squad if it had not been for Diego Maradona. Veron is thirty five years old now and would almost be forty for the next World Cup. Therefore, it is safe to say he will not be
flying to Brazil in four years’ time.
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are both exceptionally good midfielders at club level, but have failed to produce at the international stage. Gerrard and Lampard would both be around thirty five by 2014. They could easily
participate in the next World Cup but whether or not they still have the hunger to win it is another question. So far they have repeatedly failed to produce for the country so it is highly unlikely the manager would want to take the same players to the next
edition of the World Cup.
Didier Drogba who is the captain of the Ivorian team and by far one of the greatest football talents to ever emerge from Africa, will be thirty six by 2014. He is in the best of shapes physically but his age would make him a little too old
to be participating in the World Cup.
Lucio who is one of the best defenders in the world will turn thirty six for Brazil 2014. He would most probably not be the primary choice to lead the defence at the back but if he can prove his fitness, he might still make the cut.
Carles Puyol who has become a legend at Barcelona he is a world class player who always gives it his all. The thirty two year old is most likely going to pull the curtains on his playing career having already won the European and World Cup
with Spain.
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