Adios, El Matador: Cavani announces retirement aged 38

Slowly but surely, football heroes who made names for themselves at the turn of the first and second decade of the 21st century are saying their farewells to this beautiful sport.

The latest among them is Edinson Cavani, who yesterday announced his retirement in an emotional social media post.

"THANK YOU VERY MUCH, FOOTBALL!!!"

"You shaped me, challenged me, taught me to get back up when I fell, and to value every step of the journey. You allowed me to fulfil dreams that, as a child, seemed impossible, and to meet incredible people both on and off the pitch."

"None of this would have been possible without my family, my friends, my teammates, the coaches, and above all, the people. The love from the fans in every country and at every club is something I will carry with me forever."

"I leave in peace, with the calmness of knowing I gave everything in every training session and every match. With mistakes, with successes, but always with respect for this profession that gave me so much. Edi," the 38-year-old wrote via Yahoo Sports.

Cavani began his career in his homeland, at Danubio from Montevideo, but made his most significant breakthrough in Italy, wearing the jerseys of Palermo and Napoli.

His most glorious and most efficient days followed when he left the Naples side and joined Paris Saint-Germain, with which he won 21 trophies, all in France. In seven seasons in the French capital, the popular El Matador scored 200 goals in 301 appearances, becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer, though he's currently second, as Kylian Mbappe dethroned him.

After his spell in Paris, Cavani played for Manchester United, Valencia, and Boca Juniors. In an interview with the Argentinian Ole, he expressed a desire to retire at Boca, and made that wish come true.

With the Uruguay national team, Cavani won the 2011 Copa America and played the 2010 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. With 136 matches, he is La Celeste's third all-time appearance-maker and the second all-time top scorer (with 58 goals) behind Luis Suarez.

Now, it's time for new challenges in Cavani's life, though football fans will never forget his ruthless scoring skills, his energy, and his well-known "bow and arrow" celebration.

Farewell, Edi, enjoy your retirement.