Former Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni has retired from the game because of a problem with his heart.
The 33-year-old was hoping to continue his career with Botafogo, but he has today confirmed that he has hung up his gloves.
Former Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni has retired from the game because of a problem with his heart.
The 33-year-old was hoping to continue his career with Botafogo, but he has today confirmed that he has hung up his gloves.
“God doesn’t want me to play football anymore,” he told Estadio. “It’s sad that I have to quit, especially because my son wanted to see me play again.
“I would have liked to continue for him, but I can’t do anything about it. I’ve already died once…”
The custodian was referring to a heart attack he suffered in the summer of 2012 while he was on the books of Liverpool.
Doni, who has always struggled with arrhythmia, spent six years with Italian giants Roma after his 2005 move from Juventude.
He will now set up a soccer school in his homeland which will have close links with the Italian capital outfit.
“Now I want to think about the future and also Roma, who I continue to have a good relationship with,” he continued.
Doni joined Botafogo in January 2013, but he’s never played a game for them while awaiting results of various tests.