World Cup icon and former Champions League finalist, 38, comes out of retirement to join South American non-league side
DIEGO GODIN has come out of retirement to join a non-league side.
The former Atletico Madrid defender has linked up with Uruguayan outfit Centro Recreativo Porongos FC.
Godin, 38, will be a part of the squad for the 2024 season in the Flores Capital Soccer League.
A club statement on social media read: “Welcome to Porongos, Diego!
“Diego Godin will be part of the First Division squad in the 2024 season.”
The club also uploaded a video which showcased some of Godin’s most memorable moments when playing for Uruguay.
The Uruguayan initially hung up his boots last July after leaving Argentine outfit Velez Sarsfield.
He enjoyed a successful career spanning 20 years and eight different clubs before joining Porongos.
In 2010, he joined Atletico Madrid, where he became one of Europe’s top defenders.
Godin won the LaLiga title in 2014 and the Copa del Ray in 2013 as well as the Europa League twice.
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He was a part of the team that reached the Champions League final in 2014 and 2016.
However, he suffered defeat on both occasions, each time to cross-city rivals Real Madrid.
Godin left the club in 2019 as he moved to Italy and had spells at Inter Milan and Cagliari.
On an international level, he earned 161 caps for Uruguay, with his first coming back in 2005.
He featured in four World Cup tournaments for the nation and won the Copa America in 2011.