Topics: Primera División Argentina, River Plate, Pablo Aimar, Benfica
The Argentinean midfielder was not able to recover from an ankle injury and decided to hang his boots due to the physical pain he was enduring.

Whenever a player says goodbye, everyone remembers what a good guy he was. With Pablo Aimar, it will be no different. Earlier today, "El Payaso" chose to step aside from professional football, even though he had agreed to play with River Plate in the current Argentinean Primera División tournament. The player was left out of the squad that defeated Guaraní in the 2015 Copa Libertadores due to an ankle injury, and he decided it was time to call it quits.

Aimar told his team-mates via a text message, which later became a press release issued by River Plate. Aimar described the physical pain he underwent in the previous days which led to his decision.

"I tried everything to be in top shape, just like you, but my body could not take it. It was just too much. When I was told I would not be part of the squad playing the Copa Libertadores, which I totally understad, I decided it was time for me to go. I have to be honest, and right now I can't be included in a roster that could surely use the skills of another player. That's why I'm saying goodbye today," Aimar said.

The 35-year old player was one of the fans' favorite players. He was part of the winningest team in River Plate's history, lifting five trophies with Los Millonarios. His skills helped him sign a contract with Valencia, where he won two La Liga titles in 2002 and 2004, while adding a UEFA Cup to his resume. He joined Benfica later in his career, where he won four Portuguese Cups and one Primeira Liga title. He also played for Real Zaragoza and Malaysian team Johor Darul Takzim.

Valencia and Benfica used their social media accounts to pay their respects to one of the most talented players ever to grace the pitch.

"One of Valencia's players who were most admired by our fans retires from football. Thanks Aimar"

"Legends never leave us, and you will always be one of us! Thanks Aimar."