Former Top Scorer Jonas Faces Post-Retirement Struggles
Jonas, the former Brazilian striker renowned for his time at Valencia and Benfica, reveals his post-retirement challenges, including severe physical limitations resulting from his football career.
Jonas Goncalves, once a prolific striker for clubs like Valencia and Benfica, has opened up about the physical toll his football career has taken on him. In an interview with the YouTube channel 'Cartoloucos,' Jonas disclosed that he now struggles to stand for more than 40 minutes due to lingering injuries from his playing days.
Reflecting on his career, Jonas revealed, 'I had a year where I underwent 42 Voltaren injections. This is where everything deteriorates from within.' His tenure at Valencia, spanning from 2010 to 2014, was particularly notable, with Jonas scoring 52 goals in 157 official matches and participating in the UEFA Champions League.
Post-retirement, Jonas has shifted his focus to academics and entrepreneurship. He is pursuing a degree in economics and owns a pharmacy in his hometown of Taiuva, a small city in Sao Paulo state. 'I enjoy my new life,' Jonas stated, emphasizing his desire to be close to his aging parents.
During the interview, Jonas also shared personal memorabilia, highlighting a cherished jersey from Neymar's time at Barcelona. He identified Sergio Ramos as the toughest defender he faced during his career.