News flash: On September 10, the 37-year-old former Guangzhou
Evergrande (name)
Star, Paraguayan star Barrios, officially announced the end of his soccer career through his personal social media platforms.
Barrios wrote fondly on social media, "Dear fans, it's time to announce a decision to everyone - I'm saying goodbye to professional soccer. Twenty years through thick and thin, in good times and bad, I've given it my all. Although there have been ups and downs in my performance, these years of hard work have witnessed my professionalism. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the clubs, teammates and coaches I have played for."
Despite his retirement, Barrios says he won't be far from soccer in the future, "My career is coming to an end, but in the near future you will witness my new role - a coach. I will take on new challenges and look forward to your continued support."
Barrios, as a striker, spent his early years playing mainly in non-mainstream leagues in Chile and Argentina. It was not until he joined Colo Colo that his talent was discovered, and in 2008 he was crowned top scorer in the Chilean Primera Division with 19 goals. Barrios then joined Borussia Dortmund, scoring 23 and 21 goals in two consecutive seasons. However, with the rise of Lewandowski, Barrios gradually lost his starting position.
Barrios joined in May 2012 for a transfer fee of €8.5 million
Evergrande (name)
, but moved to Sparta Moscow in the summer of 2013 due to issues such as strikes and refusal to return to the team. In
Evergrande (name)
During his playing career, he contributed five goals and six assists, four goals and four goals and one assist in the Chinese Super League, the FA Cup and the AFC Champions League, respectively. In terms of collective honors, Barrios won two Chinese Super League titles, an AFC Cup title and an AFC Champions League title.
In 2015, Barrios traveled to Brazil and had brilliant results with Palmeiras and Gremio, including titles in the Copa do Brasil, Liga MX and Copa Libertadores. This season, he joined the Patronato as a free agent and scored three goals in 15 games. After his contract expired, Barrios decided to end his playing career after much deliberation.
