Former Barcelona player Montoya announces retirement, plans to launch youth academy or training camp

According to Mundo Deportivo, Martín Montoya announced in an interview that he has decided to end his professional playing career this summer.

Montoya's final appearance as a player came on May 10, 2025, when he featured for Aris Thessaloniki in Greece. After careful consideration, he decided to retire. Throughout his career, Montoya made 129 La Liga appearances, 52 Premier League appearances, 7 Champions League appearances, and 25 Copa del Rey appearances.

Montoya cited mental fatigue as the primary reason for his retirement: "I don't feel the same passion I had when I started. At this stage of my life, I had to choose between continuing to play or stepping back to enjoy time with my family."

Montoya revealed he had received offers from clubs in Cyprus, Iran, and other lower-tier leagues, but family considerations made continuing impractical. Since leaving Barcelona, he frequently moved between clubs every two to three years, and the constant relocations took a toll on his wife and children.

Montoya explained that he began preparing for life after football while playing for Aris Thessaloniki. He has no specific plans yet and may pursue coaching certifications in the future, though he currently lacks strong motivation to become a coach.

Regarding his post-retirement plans, Montoya said he is not interested in becoming an agent but is open to football-related youth projects, such as launching an academy or training camp, where he can share his experience to develop young talent.

Montoya also noted that 11 years have passed since he left Barcelona, and he is now beginning a new chapter with his wife and three children back in Barcelona.

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