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MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany (AP) — Borussia Moenchengladbach's 27-year-old defender Alvaro Dominguez has been forced to retire from football because of persistent back problems.
The Spaniard made the announcement Tuesday on social media.
"It's not nice news that am a sports invalid at 27," Dominguez said, adding that he had tried everything to get healthy again, but in vain.
Dominguez had the latest back surgery in September. He also had back surgery in November 2015. He played only six matches last season and last played in November 2015.
In a video message in German and Spanish, Dominguez thanked Moenchengladbach and his former club Atletico Madrid's fans for their support.
"Today, I have to say farewell to you and to the sport that was my passion," Dominguez said.
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