Ex-Flamengo plays again at 39 after overcoming depression | OneFootball

Argentine Alejandro Donatti stayed off the pitch for three years

A gesture of overcoming and resilience. After announcing his retirement from football due to mental health issues, defender Alejandro Donatti, formerly of Flamengo, returned to playing at the age of 39. The Argentine struggled with depression and panic attacks and, because of that, had hung up his boots.

Now, the center-back is back in action with Boca Unidos (ARG), where he began his career. Donatti is playing in the Federal A Tournament, a kind of third division of the Argentine Championship. The defender made his comeback at the beginning of the month, in a 3-0 win over Atlético Escobar (ARG), in the opening round of the competition. The former Flamengo player came on near the end of the match.

Donatti’s last game before returning came in July 2023, when he was playing for Sarmiento (ARG), in a match that ended 0-0 against Banfield (ARG). The player showed a lot of courage and did not hide the reason for his retirement at the time.

— It was severe depression with panic attacks. The psychiatrist told me I needed to take two pills a day. I’m telling my story because I know many players go through this. When a player steps onto the field thinking about what people are going to say about him, then something is already not right. That’s what happened to me after my spell at San Lorenzo —, he said at the time.

HOW WAS DONATTI AT FLAMENGO?

Signed by Flamengo in 2016, Donatti played only 11 matches. Wearing the Sacred Shirt, he even played alongside names such as Vini Jr and Diego Ribas. However, during the 2017 season, the defender moved to Tijuana of Mexico. The peak of the defender’s career came at Racing (ARG), where he won two Argentine Championships.

In addition, Donatti also had spells at Tigre (ARG), Rosario Central (ARG), San Lorenzo (ARG), Libertad de Sunchales (ARG), Tiro Federal (ARG), and 9 de Julio de Rafaela (ARG). After making his return to professional football, the former Flamengo player was all smiles.

— It’s a huge joy. I needed to return to a place where I felt comfortable. I want to experience this phase in a different way, help my teammates, and enjoy every moment —, he said after Boca Unidos’ win at the beginning of this month.

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION?

— I remember Donatti arrived at Flamengo with a lot of hype in 2016. However, the defender was unable to establish himself, even though the rubro-negro squad had Juan at the end of his career and the much-criticized Rafael Vaz as an undisputed starter. Rever was another one who played a lot at the time. It’s really great to see the Argentine’s comeback now, and I hope he succeeds —, commented Pedro Paulo Catonho, journalist for Coluna do Fla

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.