Paolo Goltz, the emblematic captain of Colón de Santa Fe, has announced his retirement from professional football after 22 remarkable years on the field. His departure has been met with heartfelt tributes from fans and teammates alike, marking the end of an era for the club.
During his time with Colón, Goltz has been nothing short of inspirational, leading the team through challenging matches and earning respect both as a player and as the captain. His farewell was publicly honored by the club through an emotional video shared via social media, highlighting key moments of his career and expressing gratitude for his contributions.
At the age of 39, Goltz made the difficult decision to officially step away from the game, concluding his professional career after his last match against All Boys at the Estadio Islas Malvinas. The announcement was confirmed through social media by his daughter, who expressed pride and love for her father’s achievements.
Reflecting on his time at Colón, Goltz shared, "It was very important for me, without a doubt, it was my last club, where I am retiring. I had four very nice years, beautiful ones... My children will always think about this..." His heartfelt words resonate with the fans who appreciated his dedication to the team.
Before arriving at Colón, Goltz had notable stints at several prestigious clubs. He began his career at Huracán, before moving to play for Argentinos Juniors and then to Boca Juniors, where he enjoyed significant success. His transition to Gimnasia - under the coaching of the legendary Diego Maradona - was particularly memorable. Maradona entrusted him with the captaincy, enhancing Goltz’s leadership skills and elevatory performances.
"Le voy a estar agradecido por siempre a Gimnasia por haberme dado la posibilidad de compartir todo lo que viví. Vivimos un año muy lindo en el club. Diego era feliz en Gimnasia (I will always be grateful to Gimnasia for giving me the opportunity to share all the moments we experienced. We lived through amazing times at the club. Diego was happy there)," Goltz said about his time with Maradona, highlighting the unforgettable memories.
His time at Colón also included winning the Copa de la Liga Profesional, where he played pivotal roles during clutch moments. “It meant so much for the club and for the fans. I will always cherish those moments,” he reflected during his farewell.
Paolo Goltz’s departure not only leaves a vacuum on the field but also inspires the younger players who looked up to him as both a teammate and role model. "The message is of gratitude," he stated, thanking the fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. "I retire as just another fan; I will continue supporting for them to achieve promotion as soon as possible,” he added, emphasizing his enduring loyalty to the club.
Colón will miss Goltz's leadership and experience. The club faces uncertainty as it looks to fill the void left by his retirement, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding and leading the team forward.
Colón now eyes new talent to reinforce their squad, including potential signings to bolster their defense. While Goltz’s shoes will be hard to fill, there's hope for the next chapter as the club aims for promotion back to Primera División.
Overall, Goltz’s departure is not just the end of an illustrious playing career, but the beginning of his next role as one of Colón's most passionate supporters. The club and its fans will certainly strive to honor his legacy as they look to claim future successes.
