Three-time Richmond premiership ahead Jason Castagna has introduced his retirement from AFL soccer, efficient instantly.
The 26-year-old stated he had misplaced the will to proceed on the elite stage, informing teammates of his choice on Monday morning.
“I love everything about this club and everyone in it, which has been the thing that has made this decision the hardest,” he stated.
“This game is such a demanding one physically and mentally, and something I have given my all to since I first walked in the doors here and for the years before that.
“Now that I cannot give that same energy, it has made me realise that I would be letting the boys and the club down if I just coasted through and did not give it my all until the end, which has led me to this call.”
Castagna booted 127 targets in his 134-game profession on the Tigers, and performed the equal most video games of any teammate throughout their golden period between 2017 and 2020, averaging greater than a purpose per recreation as he performed 92 of a potential 95 matches.
Along with Dustin Martin, Castagna was the one Tiger to kick greater than 25 targets in every of the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons.
“One my favourite things about playing AFL football has been that I got to go out on the MCG each week, warm up with the Castagna name on my back, and represent my family,” he stated.
“I will always be proud of that. The connection I feel to this group and the past players that I spent time with here as well is something I will have forever and I am so grateful for that.”
Richmond soccer boss Blair Hartley thanked the premiership hero for his selfless method on the sector.
“Jason has been the ultimate teammate over the course of his 134 games at Richmond,” Hartley stated.
“He worked so hard on his craft to become an integral part of our team by playing a team-orientated and disciplined role in our forward line.
“Jason is so selfless and went about his business with minimum fuss. He set the tone with the pressure he created in the forward half of the ground through effort, grit and the ability to win or halve contests for the team.”
Source: www.news.com.au
