Ritli calls time on keeping career
Tuesday, February 12, 2002
Article summary
Former FC Steaua Bucuresti goalkeeper Zoltan Ritli has been forced to retire aged 33.
Article body
Former FC Steaua Bucuresti goalkeeper Zoltan Ritli has been forced to retire at the age of 33 following two serious knee operations.
Champions League appearances
Ritli played over 175 games in Divizia A for FC Inter Sibiu, FC Universitatea Cluj, Steaua and AS Rocar Bucuresti, as well as a number of UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup matches for Steaua.
Unhappy spell
After four years at Steaua, Ritli had an unhappy spell with Rocar before accepting an offer from second division side FC Olimpia Satu-Mare to help save them from relegation to the third division. At the club's recent winter training camp, however, Ritli realised that it was time to hang up his gloves.
'Taken its toll'
"The surgery I have had over the years has finally taken its toll," Ritli said. "Doctors have told me that my ligaments are badly affected and I am no longer able to jump as high or move as fast as I used to. What can I do? Stay on the line and wait for the ball to hit me? It doesn't make sense to play any more."
