In recent days, Italian footballer Alia Guagni announced her retirement from playing the sport after concluding the season with Como Women. This marked the final stage of a long and prominent career that saw her play extensively in her native Florence, followed by spells at clubs like Atletico Madrid and Milan, as well as representing the Italian national team. Interviewed by TGR Rai Toscana, the 36-year-old discussed her future plans:
“I hope to remain involved in football because, naturally, it has been my life until now. It`s what I am passionate about and what I will always love.”
She also commented on the custom jersey she wore in her final official match, which had her career highlights printed on it:
“I did that to draw attention to the difficulties female footballers encounter once they finish their playing careers. Unlike male players in the same profession, we typically do not have significant financial resources. When you stop playing, you often find yourself with nothing substantial, and that creates a genuinely challenging period.”
Guagni then spoke about her desire to become a mother, which influenced her decision to retire:
“My main reason for choosing to stop playing is that I would like to have a child. Last year, while speaking with my gynecologist, I was uncertain about when I would retire, but I knew I wanted children. She advised me to freeze my eggs, which would allow me to feel secure and have them available whenever I decided to proceed with a pregnancy. So, I underwent this procedure in Barcelona last year, and now the next step is to go back there and complete the process.”