Argentina striker, Gonzalo Higuain has revealed that he almost quit football in 1994.
The Juventus forward said fear of criticism of his performances was one of the main factors behind his planned decision to prematurely abbreviate his career.
“I always regret closing in on myself and staying at home, instead of going out on the street, for fear of what they might tell me,” Higuain told Marca.
“There are people who do so many bad things and who go around face-to-face without shame. And instead we, who have not killed anyone, who do things well and who are basically only sportsmen, cannot go around in peace,” he said in reference to huge criticism he has faced over the years in his career.
Higuain was severely criticized for missing a gilt-edged opportunity against Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Brazil and he revealed that he almost called time on football following the backlash.
“I was about to stop playing football – says Pipita – but my mother told me no, that I should have continued. If it were up to me, I would have given up .
“I love football, but I love my mother more. He told me he wouldn’t let me leave it for her,” he said.
He concluded by discussing the impression the public have about football superstars living privileged lifestyles.
“People say ‘with all that money you earn’, but friends cannot be bought. I have been spending Christmas with different people for 14 years.
“I would like to see my mother and she has to fly for 15 hours. Of course I can pay for the ticket, but she’s not 10 minutes away from me. Everyone judges only for what you do on the pitch, without thinking about the rest. It’s too exaggerated, but now I’m used to it ,” he said.
