Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red has been forced to retire from professional football after failing to overcome the heart problems that have prevented him from playing for two years.
De la Red, 25, collapsed during a Copa del Rey tie against Real Union in October 2008 and was diagnosed with a heart problem. He missed the entirety of the 2009-10 season as Real sought to find a solution, but after extensive exams, he was advised against returning to the pitch.
Spain has suffered the loss of two high profile players - Antonio Puerta and Dani Jarque - to heart conditions in recent seasons and player and club decided against risking a return to first-team football.
Im sorry for him. You never now. If you are 20, 40 or 60 years old, anything can happen without nowing ...
Unlucky for the player. He looked promising at times