Former Paris Saint-Germain maestro, Javier Pastore, finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating retirement as he battles persistent pain. In a candid interview with Prime Video Sport, the 34-year-old Argentine reflects on his uncertain future, admitting, "Returning to football would be a miracle, my mindset is already shifting, but you never know."
Pastore's journey from the Parc des Princes to potential retirement is filled with the weight of chronic injuries. His decision for hip surgery, scheduled for June-July, stems from a desire to improve his quality of life. "I need to put an end to this because it's not pleasant," he reveals. The possibility of retirement highlights the sacrifices athletes make for their passion.
Looking ahead, Pastore envisions a shift behind the scenes, expressing a desire to become a sports director rather than a coach. This reflects his wish to stay connected with football, utilizing his experiences in a different capacity.
Reflecting on his career, Pastore's time in Ligue 1 stands out. Playing 186 league games for Paris Saint-Germain, he scored 29 goals and provided 46 assists. His impact was immediate; in his debut season (2011-2012), he scored 13 goals in 33 league matches, contributing to PSG's dominance in Ligue 1.
His honors with PSG show his influence—five Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France, five Coupe de la Ligue, and four Trophée des Champions. Individually, he earned a spot in the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year (2014-2015) and gathered multiple Player of the Month awards.
Pastore's style of play is synonymous with elegance and creativity. As an advanced playmaker, he has exceptional dribbling skills, close control, and versatility. His ability to score and create goals allowed him to thrive in various offensive roles, from attacking midfielder to winger or supporting striker.
Despite comparisons to football legends like Kaká, Zinedine Zidane, and Juan Román Riquelme, injuries have plagued El Flaco’s career.
As Pastore contemplates the end of his playing days, his lasting legacy in Ligue 1 and the football world at large continues. The beautiful moments, the silverware, and the enduring spirit of "El Flaco" will forever be in the memories of Paris Saint-Germain fans and football enthusiasts worldwide.
