Players who have played their last World Cup
Though some fans would hope otherwise some renowned players have reached the end of their playing careers. Here is a list of some fan favorites who won’t 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 pretty good player but someone in their mid thirties won’t 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 could be signs 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 don’t 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 wouldn’t be an issue, but Henry would refuse to participate because he himself would know that he won’t 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 hadn’t been for Diego Maradona. Veron is thrity five years old now and would almost be forty in time for the next World Cup, it is safe to say he won’t be flying to Brazil to participate in it.
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are both exceptionally good midfielders at club level, but have failed to produce on the international stage. Gerrard and Lampard would both be around thirty five years old 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 footballing talents to ever emerge from Africa, will be thirty six by 2014. Even for someone who is as physically fit as he is that 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 in time for Brazil 2014. He would most probably not be the primary choice to lead the defense 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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