Jason DiTullio retires from pro game

[Daniel]

JASON DI TULLIO ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT

http://impactmontreal.com/News/News.aspx?language=EN&ArticleID=799

MONTREAL – Montreal Impact defender Jason Di Tullio announced his retirement, Monday, after a career spanning six seasons in the Impact uniform, shortened by numerous knee injuries.

“It’s unfortunate that I have to take this decision at such a young age, but the pain I’m still experiencing is affecting not only myself but the people around me,” said the 23-year-old midfielder. “Without my family and friends, the last few years would have been more difficult. I respect the game too much to play at 70%, knowing to what level I can play this sport when I am healthy.”

“I will always be grateful to the Impact because the club gave me the first opportunity to live my dream, which was to play at a professional level,” added Di Tullio. “The great memories and friendships that I have created are some of the things that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I know that I will always be around the club and that the experience I gained in the past six years will be useful in the future.”

“What is happening to Jason is really unfortunate. It’s sad that a young athlete like him had to go through all this,” said Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “With his presence on the field, he had all the qualities to be successful and a great team leader. His intensity, passion and work ethic would have made him even better in the future. As long as he is comfortable with his decision, we will be behind him. We wish him much success in all his future projects.”

Team management confirmed that Di Tullio will remain active within the organization, notably participating in the team’s promotional activities.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Di Tullio, a 23-year-old Quebec native, began his pro career in the United Soccer Leagues Division 1 with the Impact, in 2002. He played a total of 75 games, 56 as starter, and accumulated 5,145 minutes of play. He scored one goal in his career, a game-winning goal, on July 17, 2002, against the Vancouver Whitecaps, and tallied four assists, for a total of six points. At age 18, in the end of his rookie season, he won the Impact’s 2002 Unsung Hero Award. He reached the 5000-minutes played mark with the Impact on June 18, 2006, against the Portland Timbers.

Internationally, Di Tullio was part of the U-20 Canadian national team that played at the 2003 FIFA U20 World Cup, in the United Arab Emirates, and helped Canada reach the second round for the second time of its history. In 2001, he contributed to Canada’s qualification in the quarterfinal round at the Francophone Games in Ottawa.

Di Tullio had his first knee injury, June 13, 2004, in Calgary. He went under surgery five times for his knee, ACL and meniscus. In 2007, he missed the whole season following his last surgery.

[Alberto7]

Sad news but no surprise really. Five surgeries on one knee is way too much for a 23 year old.

[An Observer]

Yeah too bad. If he would have been healthy these last years, he would have had a chance to develop into a national team player. On the 2003 U-20 side, I ranked him after Hume, Hutchinson, and Simpson as our best prospect.

[Grizzly]

I really liked how Di Tullio played whenever I saw him. He seemed to have the talent to become a good player, it is too bad his knees didn't allow him to reach his potential.

[Gian-Luca]

That's sad to hear, and a shame.