Arca retires after three great years
Former Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca has retired from football after three successladen seasons with South Shields.
Arc a ,37, has retired in order to spend more time with his young family, as the travel commitments are becoming more challenging, with Shields playing in the Evo-Stik Premier Division next season.
The Mariners are in discussions with the Argentinian over a potential non-playing role, however.
Chairman Geoff Thompson said: “Julio has been an inspirational figure since joining the club almost three years ago.
“He has played a key role in transforming the club’s fortunes and provided some unforgettable moments, and we cannot thank him enough for his incredible efforts.
“Everyone at the club hoped he would be able to continue his playing career for one more year, but we are fully respectful of his decision, which has been made for family reasons. “He ends his playing days having won a league title in each of his three seasons here, and departs with his powers undimmed.” Arca, who made 177 appearances for Sunderland in a six-year spell from 2000, captained Shields to the FA Vase final win at Wembley last year.
After seven years at Middlesbrough, he was forced to retire from professional football in 2013 with a foot injury, but, after a couple of years away, returned to the game, first appearing for Sunderland pub side Willow Pond before then-Shields boss Jon King persuaded him to join the Mariners in September 2015.
He won three league titles and six trophies at Shields.