The Argentine masters, Javier Pastore (35 ans)is preparing to end his career. The one who was one of the first big signings of the QSI era at Paris Saint-Germain revealed to RMC Sport that he will officially announce his retirement before June. A carefully considered decision, motivated by the persistent pain that marked the end of his career.
“I will not return to football, before June I am going to announce the end of my career. I had hip surgery in February, it's been six months, I had a complete hip prosthesis because I don't could no longer deal with the pain,” said Pastore. A necessary intervention, after years spent juggling performance and physical suffering. “Honestly, I spent three and a half years of my career with a lot of pain and it was painful in training and matches,” he added. Today, even though he enjoys a pain-free life, The Skinny seems to be definitively turning the page on the field: “Now I'm doing very well, I have no more pain, nothing, I've started doing little training but I don't think I'll come back to play football.”
Pastore's PSG: A New Era
Arriving in 2011 from Palermo, Javier Pastore embodies one of PSG's first big moves during the QSI era. Purchased for 42 million euros, a record for the time, it is the symbol of a Parisian club which aims for the heights by attracting international talent. Pastore is pure elegance, a fluid and instinctive style of play which quickly won over Parisian supporters. His magical right foot, his assists and his twirling dribbles made him the idol of a generation of PSG fans.
With Pastore, Paris returns to the heights of French football. Alongside stars like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thiago Silva and later Edinson Cavani, The Skinny helps PSG dominate Ligue 1 and make a name for itself in Europe. In total, he won five French championship titles, but also several national Cups. His performances against Chelsea in the Champions League or his memorable double against Nantes in 2015 are still engraved in the memories of supporters.
✨ El Flaco, the Magician of the Parc des Princes
With his technical ease, his vision of the game and his flair, Pastore gave the Parisians magical moments. It was not uncommon to see Javier bring the crowds at the Parc des Princes to their feet with a simple technical gesture, a perfectly timed pass or a daring dribble. His simplicity off the field contrasted with his artistry on the field, where he always seemed to play one step ahead, anticipating the moves of his teammates.
Despite the injuries that ended up tarnishing his last seasons in Paris, Pastore has always had a unique relationship with the public. Even during his periods of absence, supporters never stopped proclaiming their love for the Argentinian, a symbol of a certain grace and football of pure pleasure.
An Emotional Goodbye
Javier Pastore is preparing to turn the page, with the memory of three and a half painful years, but also of an immense career which will remain marked by the love of the game and the jersey. His departure from PSG in 2018, after seven emotional years, was difficult for him and for the supporters. “Pastore is eternal” echoed in the aisles of the Park during his last match in the Parisian jersey.
While The Skinny is preparing to bid farewell to the world of football, lovers of PSG and the beautiful game will remember this unique elegance and these moments of grace that it offered.
Thank you, Javier, for lighting up the Parc des Princes.
