Ex-Man United and Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero has retired from playing aged 39. 

Romero is Argentina’s most capped goalkeeper, making 96 appearances for his country across a career spanning almost two decades. 

Romero also kept 39 clean sheets in 69 appearances for United and was largely a back-up to David de Gea at Old Trafford. 

He has quietly put an end to his playing career and according to reports in his homeland, the decision was due to ‘family reasons’.

Romero was released by Argentinos Juniors in December and did not find another suitor. Only a year ago he left Boca Juniors under a cloud. 

He had to be restrained by club officials from confronting one of his own supporters after Boca lost the Superclasico against River Plate in 2024. 

Sergio Romero (right), pictured in 2020 training with Man United team-mates, has retired

Romero most recently played for Argentinos Juniors but was released last December

Boca suspended him and Romero was remorseful, admitting: ‘I want to offer my apologies to the Boca fans for the situation at the end.

‘When the guy was swearing at me, I lost my mind. None of us go out to play a game to lose it, we wanted to win it as much as they did and it didn’t happen. I couldn’t think at that moment, I lost my mind.

‘I apologise to the Boca fan, I was wrong with my reaction, I should have let it go and left. They have the right to express themselves.’

He subsequently admitted it was a factor in leaving the club, saying: ‘Boca fans have a lot of respect for me, and every time they run into me, they ask why I left. I think it (leaving) was because of the incident with the fan and because the last year I played wasn’t the same as the previous one.’

Romero, who was replaced in goal for Argentina by Emiliano Martinez, enjoyed a stellar international career and was runner-up in the 2014 World Cup. 

He also helped United to the Europa League triumph of 2016-17 and won an FA Cup. 

Romero now appears set for a move into coaching having spoken extensively about his desire to switch roles in the future. 

‘I’m ready to cross the line and begin a career that will surely be beautiful,’ he said on an Argentine radio station. 

‘Football is about moments, names, and adapting to the squad you have. Playing in Europe and being coached by Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Tata Martino, and Alejandro Sabella gave me the tools to find my way.’