Erik Lamela

For years, Erik Lamela’s name was synonymous with flair on the pitch — a creative spark for Tottenham, Sevilla, and Roma, capable of moments that could silence stadiums and lift teammates. Yet behind the applause, there was a quieter, more relentless story: pain.

“Being in pain, playing and training through discomfort became normal,” Lamela revealed, explaining the decision that has ended his professional career. For the past five years, he has battled injuries that never truly healed, navigating the thin line between perseverance and self-preservation. “I’ve been taking pills every game to be in better condition, starting with the lowest …