International star, 43, retires after playing centre-back over four decades – and he’s still country’s TOP SCORER
ANDORRA are saying goodbye to a legend during their Euro 2024 qualification clash with Switzerland.
Ildefons Lima has been playing for his country since 1997 and is finally calling time on his lengthy career - at the age of 43.
Lima made his debut for Andorra when he was just 17 years old in a friendly against Estonia.
The Tricolours lost 4-1, but Lima left the pitch happy after scoring a debut goal in the 67th minute.
A rare feat for a centre-back to find himself on the scoresheet, but not for Lima who defies the defensive stereotype.
Despite his position, the star sits top of the list of Andorra’s all-time goal scorers with 11 goals during his international career.
He also boasts the record for number of appearances, with the match-up against Switzerland set to be 137th time representing his homeland.
Lima took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts ahead of his big night.
He wrote: “The last day has arrived, 26 years since the first, four different decades…today, The Last Dance.”
And it’s not just his international career where Lima has shone, with the star a seven-time Andorran champion.
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He’s also had spells at an array of other European teams with time at UD Las Palmas, Rayo Vallecano and US Triestina.
Lima will end his time with Andorra as the oldest player to ever play in a European qualifying match.
