Former Inter Milan Academy Graduate Announces Retirement At 26: ‘Out Of Respect To My Health’ | OneFootball

Former Inter Milan academy defender Zinho Vanheusden has announced his retirement at only 26, bringing an early end to one of the most unfortunate injury-hit careers of his generation.

The Belgian centre-back confirmed his decision after suffering a third ACL tear, explaining that he had reached a point where continuing “was no longer possible” for the sake of his long-term health.

Vanheusden, who joined Inter as a teenager and was once regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, said the choice came “after 22 years of football,” admitting he never imagined stopping this early.

“My life as a professional footballer is coming to an end,” he wrote, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“Football made me who I am today. It gave me a life I never dared dream of.”

Former Inter Milan Graduate Vanheusden Retires At 26

He explained the physical toll behind the decision. “The last years have been tough. Injuries, surgeries, injections, medication. I gave everything to fight back, but each time it became more difficult,” he said, revealing he often finished training unsure whether he would be able to walk without pain the next day.

“My heart will always want to be a footballer, but my body has been saying enough for a while.”

Vanheusden emphasised that the decision was also for his family. “For respect toward myself, my health and my responsibility as a father, I take this decision. I want to walk without pain, play with my son and enjoy life.”

He finished with a long message to clubs, teammates and supporters, adding a special tribute to Standard Liège.

“My red heart is forever full of love for Standard. Even if I would have liked to stand in front of you, I will surely return to the stands to support together.”