Dream job anyone? While some dream of being a film star, musician or astronaut - what about being a third-choice goalkeeper?
On Tuesday, S.L. Benfica's 40-year-old third choice goalkeeper Paulo Lopes announced his retirement from world football. The shot-stopper has managed to collect more trophies and winner's medals than appearances during his time with Águias.
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Lopes re-joined Benfica in 2012 and has made 11 appearances across all competitions until his retirement, during that time he scooped up 12 trophies while largely sitting on the bench.
Competition: | Year Won: |
League Title | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 |
Portuguese Cup | 2013, 2016 |
Portuguese League Cup | 2013, 2014, 2015 |
Portuguese Super Cup | 2014, 2016, 2017 |
The 40-year-old finished his youth career and began his senior career at the Portuguese club in the late 90s, early 2000s but could not break into the first team.
After a season at Benfica B in 2001, he moved away from his boyhood club.
He then spent time at several different Portuguese outfits before returning to see out his career.
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"This is one of the most difficult moments in a footballer's life when his career comes to an end, but as in everything in life nothing is eternal," he said.
"I've been a 21-year-old football professional, a profession to which I gave myself heart and soul with the clear conscience that I did everything to honour the profession I embraced and dignified myself as a football professional," reported A BOLA.
Lopes will now take charge of coaching the goalkeepers for Benfica's under-23s.
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Words by George Buksmann.
Topics: Football, Football News, Benfica
