sports
Álvaro González retires after leaving Tenerife
The 36-year-old central defender left Tenerife midseason and announced his retirement on El Chiringuito, reviewing a globe-trotting career and memorable incidents with rivals.
Mar 31st 2026 · Spain
Insights
- Álvaro González, 36, ended his contract with Tenerife midseason and announced his retirement.
- He said he will focus on his family and explore new life projects.
- His playing career included Racing, Zaragoza, Espanyol, Villarreal, Marseille, Al Nassr, Al Qadsiah, Johor and Tenerife.
- He described being an Espanyol supporter as special and expressed pride in the club.
- He recalled a derby exchange in which Lionel Messi called him bad and he replied that Messi was very short.
Sources
- El ex cordobesista que le plantó cara a la Argentina de Messi en La Bombonera: "Se acordaba de mí por aquella eliminatoria de Copa" www.cope.es
- Carlos Alcaraz: "Recuerdo cuando jugué contra Nadal por primera vez aunque me destrozara" www.elconfidencial.com
- "Ser del Espanyol es lo más bonito que hay. Messi me llamó malo y le dije que era muy bajo" www.mundodeportivo.com