It’s very emotional – addressing you all today. As a professional athlete, the last thing we ever think about is how we will say goodbye to the world of soccer.
But multiple concussions in recent months have pushed me to hang up my cleats in order to protect my physical integrity.
I would therefore like to take the time to thank all of those who have accompanied me on this magnificent adventure.
Thank you to Olympique Noisy-Le-Sec, Olympique de Marseille and Sporting Club Bastiais. You helped a young, timid, and introverted man realise his childhood dream.
Thank you to the Montreal Impact for believing in me for so long. Never would I have thought, on that day in February 2011 (at -38 degrees), that I would get to live all of these fantastic moments. I have met formidable people, on and off the field. You have given me memories that I will cherish forever.
I would like to thank you as well, my dear supporters. Without you, the sport would not be the same. Our relationship was special and strong. I have lived moments of communion, joy, pain, all with an extraordinary intensity. Every time I came on the field, I felt invested in a mission: to proudly represent the blue, white, and black colours in honor of all people in Montreal and in Quebec. I will never forget the love you have shown me.
Finally, I would like to thank all of my friends and family for the unconditional support that you have bestowed upon me for so many years. I want to particularly thank my mother and father, who have devoted and sacrificed so much to help me become the man I am today. You are my heroes; now, it’s my turn to take care of you.
My heart will always be bleu-blanc-noir.
I will leave you on the same words president Joey Saputo once told me: “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
#GoImpact #LUVMTL #6
Hassoun Camara
