Following hotel fall, Pelayo Novo retires from Spanish football

Toledo (Spain), Oct 31 (IANS) Pelayo Novo, a former midfielder for third-tier Spanish league club Albacete Balompie, on Wednesday said that he has decided to retire from professional football after suffering serious injuries in a fall from the third floor of a hotel earlier this year.

The accident occurred on March 31 while the team was in the northeastern city of Huesca, and the Spanish player remained hospitalised until May 21, reports Efe.

"I'm leaving after experiencing the best side of soccer - the camaraderie of my teammates," Novo said in an interview with Efe at the National Hospital of Paraplegics in Toledo.

Efe photos showed Novo walking with forearm crutches in each hand, as well as standing beside his wheelchair.

He explained that during his initial recovery, he imagined his leg might heal and he could play again, but after moving to the hospital in Toledo, he realized "football was already over for me."

"It's complicated to accept, but there is life after this, and I have to value what happens from here on out, and that's what I'm focused on," he added.

"Yes, it's true that I've felt nostalgic, but I'm really pleased with the time I spent there," Novo admitted. "I've enjoyed myself, I've lived through promotions. I've also seen tough stuff - but I prefer the beautiful moments."

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