GONZALO HIGUAIN has revealed that he nearly quit football after experiencing major final heartache with Argentina.
Although a deadly goalscorer for club and country throughout a successful career, the striker has earned a reputation for failing in big games.
Higuain had to make do with a runners-up medal in the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In the 2014 World Cup final defeat to Germany, the Argentine found himself through on goal and drilled a shot harmlessly wide.
Higuain then fluffed his lines on multiple occasions in two subsequent Copa America finals against Chile, badly firing his shootout penalty over the bar in the 2016 showdown as his country lost both times.
And he has revealed that only his mother has prevented him from calling it quits.
Higuain told Marca: “I was close to stopping playing, but my mother said I should continue.
“If it was just down to me, I’d have quit already.”
Argentina fans berated the Juventus forward, 32, for his big-game misses and he revealed that he would not even go outside for the fear of abuse.
‘WHY SHOULD I WORRY?’
He added: “I regret that I would avoid going out due to the fear of what someone might say to me.
“People speak about the money you earn, but you can’t buy friends.
“I have played in the biggest leagues and tournaments for the biggest teams, something I couldn’t have imagined when I was five years of age.
“So why should I worry what they say? When I realised this, I started going out more and living more.”
Higuain is currently back in South America during the coronavirus pandemic having left Italy’s lockdown.
Reports that he was stopped by police from boarding a private jet flight back home were followed by claims he was looking after his cancer-suffering mother.
However it was said over the weekend that Juve are struggling to get hold of Higuain as they attempt to organise his return for Serie A’s resumption in the coming weeks.
It has even been suggested his contract, that runs to June 2021, could be terminated early if he does not make himself available.
Higuain kicks coach and advertising boards after losing temper during Juventus training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
