Ex-Lazio Goalkeeper Silvio Proto Has Hung Up His Gloves & Retired

By Apollo Heyes - 5 Feb 2021, 10:30

Former Lazio goalkeeper Silvio Proto, who terminated his contract with the Biancocelesti last week, has decided to hang up his gloves and retire, as announced in a post on his Twitter page earlier today.

The 37-year-old Belgian shot stopper joined the Roman club from Greek side Olympiacos in the summer of 2018, as a backup to Thomas Strakosha.

In his two and a half years with the club, Proto made nine appearances across all competitions, for a total of 810 minutes. In that time, he conceded 15 goals and kept two clean sheets.

Proto announced his retirement in a long statement, saying:

7069 days since my first game in the first division. So many dives, goals saved and others conceded. It’s time for me and my first grey hair to put the gloves away.

It is with pride and relief that I begin a new chapter in my life, one that I want to dedicate to my passions, my projects and my little family who have more than supported me throughout this long career.

Thanks to my wife for putting up with my superstitious rituals, to my children for making me the best footballer in the world (at least in their eyes).

To the fans for always pushing me to surpass myself, but also to the managers, coaches, teammates and opponents without whom my career would not have been what it was.

I say goodbye to this world which has certainly made me who I am but which was too harsh for my sensitive soul. So, without any regrets, my golf clubs have replaced my gloves. I am leaving my cage for good.