Ex-Real Madrid midfielder Gago retires from football

BUENOS AIRES - Former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago has retired from football at the age of 34, the manager of his club Velez Sarsfield said on Tuesday.

The announcement came two days after the 34-year-old made his latest comeback from a serious injury by playing the second half of Velez's 2-2 draw at Gimnasia La Plata in the Argentine Primera Division.

"It is something that is difficult to accept," Pablo Cavallero told Radio Continental, adding that Gago had informed his teammates and the coaching staff earlier in the day.

"We know the demands that Fernando places on himself. His retirement is a great loss. He made a big effort to recover and showed great dedication. We've lost a very important player."

In February, Gago underwent surgery on his right knee after tearing tissue grafted to the joint in a previous operation. It was his fifth major injury in as many years, following three Achilles tendon tears and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Gago, who played for Real Madrid from 2007 to 2012, has been capped 61 times for Argentina and was a member of the Albiceleste squad that finished second at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. His club career also included spells at Valencia, Roma and Boca Juniors.