One Last Whistle: My Final Match and the Battle with Injury

A late, unexpected last game of the season created a temptation: Should I do it one more time? My left ankle had mostly healed after three weeks and a physiotherapy session. I did a test run two days before the game and realized the remaining pain in my left ankle muscle was negligible.

So, I accepted and started preparing for my last game of the 2023/24 season. My concentration was at a level I deemed acceptable. I made good calls and received little feedback. However, I hesitated when running to each incident or corner activity.

By the end of the first half, my old injury began to flare up, but not enough to make me panic. The half-time break came just in time, I thought. After 10 minutes of resting, I called the two teams back onto the pitch.

Then, to my horror, my right ankle started hurting—more than the left, and now both were in pain. I knew I could manage if I was careful with my movements. There were no major incidents or tough calls, and I had good support from the club linesmen. However, I realized that even after three weeks of rest, my injury was still a problem.

When I got home and parked the car, I could hardly walk. Both ankles felt stiff, and I had to lie down for the rest of the day and evening. Is this the ultimate hint from my body telling me it's time to stop?

The relatively good game, compared to the one three weeks ago, still gives me hope for a good new season. Maybe the physiotherapist can help me during the summer to get my legs in better shape. Help me stay better stretched and more aware of new injury signals?

I have decided I will make this call myself and not be lead by the Dutch FA referee ranking which is expected soon.