LASK star admits: "I considered giving it all up"

Andres Andrade (28) is an undisputed regular at LASK. In the recent double-winning season, the Panama international played a major role in their success.

Yet things didn't always go to plan for the defender in Linz. In June 2024, he tore his cruciate ligament.

Back then, as he now openly admitted on international duty, he contemplated retirement. "It was one of the most difficult experiences of my career so far. There were moments when I considered giving it all up, as it was a very complicated injury," he was quoted as saying by "RPC".

Three Panamanians in the Champions League

Thanks to his family's support, he managed to overcome that phase as well. At the end of March 2025, he made his comeback. That was followed by winning the double in 2025/26 and now appearances in the UEFA Champions League with LASK.

The recent clash with Slovan Bratislava (a 4-0 win for LASK) was particularly special for him, featuring two of his international teammates, Cristian Martinez and Cesar Blackman.

"It was a special day. Three Panamanians played in the Champions League, but in the end, one of the two teams had to win," said Andrade.

164 appearances for LASK

He originally joined LASK from Mexico in 2018, initially featuring for the Juniors. In 2021, he moved on loan to Arminia Bielefeld in the German Bundesliga, before the German side signed him permanently following their relegation in 2022.

After another relegation to the 3. Liga in 2023, Andrade returned to Linz. He has now made 164 appearances for the Steel City club. His contract runs until 2028.