Pedro Geromel announces retirement at the end of the season

Pedro Geromel announced his retirement at 39 years old, after 11 seasons wearing Grêmio’s jersey.

With the “Immortal” club, Geromel won a Copa Libertadores (2017), a Copa do Brasil (2016), a Recopa Sudamericana (2018), and six Campeonato Gaúcho titles.

Join us as we recap Geromel’s career, which comes to a close at the end of the season.

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Geromel’s Retirement

In a press conference, Geromel announced his retirement from the pitch at 39 years old, after 11 seasons with Grêmio. The defender explained that, although he feels physically well, he is hanging up his boots to spend more time with his family.

“I left home when I was 17, now I’m 39. It’s been 22 years on this road. If I stay, I’ll always be training, watching my diet, taking care of my body, but it demands a lot from me. Now I want to do other things. I’m prioritizing family time, spending more time at home, taking my kids to school,” Geromel said.

He also mentioned that he announced his retirement two months before the end of the season to avoid speculation.

He is unsure about his future, whether he will stay in football or pursue a different career.

Geromel’s Career

In 1996, Geromel began his journey in Portuguesa’s youth academy, later moving to Palmeiras, where he only played for the B team.

His first experience in professional football came with Desportivo de Chaves, in Portugal’s Segunda Liga. Signed in 2004, he was given a chance in the first team in 2005, becoming a starter and one of the most important players on the team, gaining recognition despite his young age.

In 2005, he was signed by Vitória de Guimarães and quickly established himself as a starter. He played three seasons at the club and was named the best defender in the Primeira Liga during the 2007-08 season.

During Vitória de Guimarães’ centenary celebrations, fans voted Geromel as the best defender in the club’s history.

Photo: João Abreu Miranda/Lusa

In 2008, he moved to 1. FC Köln in Germany, making the Bundesliga Team of the Season in 2008/09 and 2009/10. He stayed for four seasons, but after a decline in form, he was loaned to Mallorca.

Photo: AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ

However, he struggled to secure a starting position at Mallorca and had his contract terminated six months before it was due to expire. Upon returning to Köln at the end of 2013, he remained out of favor and caught Grêmio’s interest.

In December 2013, Geromel joined Grêmio on a long-term loan until July 2016, beginning his journey as one of the greatest defenders in the club’s history.

After a rocky start, Geromel solidified his place in Grêmio’s defense in 2015, becoming one of the standout players in Brazilian football, earning the Bola de Prata award from Placar/ESPN.

In December 2015, he renewed his contract with Grêmio for four more years, setting the stage for a period of major success for the club.

In 2016, alongside Kannemann, Geromel formed the best defensive duo in Brazil. That year, Grêmio won the Copa do Brasil, ending a 15-year drought for national titles. In the second leg of the final, a 1-1 draw against Atlético-MG, Geromel provided the assist for Cebolinha’s goal. Grêmio had won the first leg 3-1.

In 2017, Grêmio won the Copa Libertadores, and Geromel captained the team. Grêmio defeated Lanús 1-0 at home in the first leg and won 2-1 in Argentina to secure their third Libertadores title.

Photo: Lucas Uebel/Grêmio

In 2016, 2017, and 2018, Geromel was named the Best Defender in the Brasileirão’s Prêmio Craque do Brasileirão and won the Bola de Prata award four consecutive times starting in 2016.

In 2021, he was relegated with Grêmio to Serie B but helped the club return to the top flight the following year.

For the Brazil national team, he was first called up in 2016 and was included in Tite’s squad for the 2018 World Cup, though he did not play any matches.

Foto: Lucas Figueiredo / CBF Divulgation

Geromel bids farewell to Grêmio fans, who hold deep affection for the victorious journey of their idol, whose leadership and technical skills have left a lasting legacy in the club’s history.

 

Written by Henry Miller.