Former Manchester City starlet Diego Rosa reportedly indicated his desire to retire from professional football at the age of 21, 12 months after signing for new club Bahia - with the club subsequently posting a statement to clarify the situation.
The 21-year-old Brazil youth international, who plays a midfielder, joined City from Brazilian top division side Gremio in 2021.
He did not make a senior appearance for Pep Guardiola's side, though, being loaned out to Belgian second tier side Lommel and Portuguese top division outfit Vizela.
Rosa joined City for an initial fee of £2.65 million plus £2.55 million in instalments, with a series of complex add-ons potentially taking the fee to £21 million if he broke through into the first team.
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He moved to Bahia, who are part of the City Football Group, on a permanent deal in January 2023, although wasn't a regular starter in a side that finished in 16th place - one point above the relegation zone.
The new domestic season started this month with the Campeonato Baiano - a single round-robin tournament of 10 teams that transitions into a knockout format featuring the top four teams in the group.
Bahia have won the tournament a Brazilian record 50 times, but they lost 1-0 to Jequie in their opening match of 2024.
Rosa started the game as part of a young Bahia side, but was substituted off after 55 minutes as part of a tactical change.
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National outlet Trivela report that the 21-year-old was booed after he was substituted, and he subsequently wrote on his Instagram account: "I come to inform you that today was my last game as a player." The post was deleted shortly afterwards.
Manager Rogerio Ferreira said in his post-match press conference (via Globo) that he had not heard of Rosa's desire to retire, but said that he is 'a guy I have nothing but praise for' and is 'extremely dedicated and hardworking'.
Subsequently, in a club statement posted by Trivela, Bahia confirmed that the player is receiving 'full support and attention from the Department of Health and Performance', and 'undergoes medical and therapeutic monitoring'. He is training with the team as normal.
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They add: "His presence in the next games will be a joint decision between the Football Department, the athlete and the Department of Health and Performance."
Rosa has since taken to Instagram again to thank well-wishers for their support, and confirm that he is looking forward to repaying that support on the football pitch.
He wrote: "I want to thank the entire Tricolor nation for their support at this time.
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"I will repay you on the field with a lot of determination, desire and drive!"
Topics: Manchester City, Football
Ryan Smart