35-year-old Mario Fernandes announced his retirement on his birthday

The 35-year-old Brazilian announced his retirement on his birthday, making a statement on his wife Maryana Schott de Freitas' social media page.

"Today I officially end my career as a professional footballer. I thank the Lord Jesus - without Him this would have been impossible. Hugs, Mario Fernandes," the message says.

The defender's last club was "Zenit," with which his contract was terminated in the summer of 2024. According to media reports, Fernandes developed neurological problems that required surgical intervention. He played 18 matches for the St. Petersburg club but did not record any productive actions.

In the summer, the player had a trial with Moscow's "Torpedo," but suffered an injury and returned to Brazil.

From 2012 to 2022, Fernandes played for CSKA, where he became a three-time Russian champion (2013, 2014, 2016) and won the Russian Cup once (2013). With the army team, he played 329 games, scoring 11 goals and making 47 assists.