'I've lived an unnatural life for last 15 years playing football,' claims former Chelsea striker
Gonzalo Higuain has dropped a bombshell interview, claiming he's lived unnaturally playing football for the last 15 years.
The former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea forward believes footballers 'don't have the same rights' as normal people in regards to criticism.
The 34-year-old has played for some of the biggest teams in Europe and has represented Argentina on the international stage, playing in a World Cup final.
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But he's bemoaned the lack of respect during his career.
He's also complained that he 'can't go out on the street' after having a bad game due to insults that come his way.
"I said that I lived 15 years unnaturally. People think that we have an easy life, and no, not at all," he said via Marca.
"We don't have the same right that you go down the street, they insult you and you can't react, because if you do, the impact is double.
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"If you lose a game, if you miss a goal or lose an important game, you can't go out on the street.
"The soccer player lives conditioned by a result. It's a sport, a job, and it shouldn't be confused. We're all human."
The Argentine added: "I find it very unfair to have lived 15 years in the elite and not have been able to react to moments when I had to bow my head to insults and disrespect. At this time in my life, I can't tolerate it anymore.
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"I no longer tolerate ignoring, disrespect or aggression. I never suffered them in person, only because of anonymous people on social networks. But I'm sure this will end when they have to show their faces.
"Today jokes are made with everything kinds of things, but we have to be aware of what is generated, because with five seconds in front of a computer you can ruin a person's life.
"I am in one of the best moments of my life. The only thing that matters in football is success and not the journey that one takes.
"I'm already at a point in my life where neither praise makes me feel better nor criticism makes me feel worse. The most important thing is balance, and when one is calm with oneself, the other is secondary.
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"I am calm because I gave my life and more for the Argentine National Team. I am proud of what I gave for the National Team and I do not regret anything at all."
Higuain has also played for Napoli, Juventus and AC Milan.
He currently calls Inter Miami home, scoring 26 goals for the MLS club.
Nasir Jabbar