“Not Sure I’ll Be In A Jersey Again”: Kelly Slater Gets Emotional After Unexpected Exit From Rip Curl Portugal

American surfing icon Kelly Slater has stumbled upon a roadblock and has teased retirement! In what was expected to be redemption for Slater, the upcoming MEO Rip Curl Pro has witnessed one of the heartbreaking scenes. Slater, who is already 52, was forced to withdraw himself from the competition following complications with his hips. Although Slater has had surgery, the problem seems to have persisted to paint a sorrowful picture for his fans. 

Announcing his unavailability, Slater became emotional as he could not give the fans a proper show. He also went on to hint that he might never again don the jersey or come back to entertain in Portugal. Taking to his social media, the surfer acknowledged his fans’ wishes while delivering the heartbreaking news. 

Kelly Slater gets emotional on Instagram

The fact that Kelly Slater has withdrawn from the tournament comes as a huge letdown for his fans. However, after getting to know about his physical condition, fans lent him their hands of compassion and support. Overwhelmed by the response, Slater took to his Instagram story to thank his fans. 

He shared one of his fan’s posts with a picture of a kid sitting on a beach wearing Slater’s iconic jersey. Slater captioned the picture, “Thanks to the messages from Portuguese fans. Honestly not sure if I’ll ever be in the jersey again in Portugal so it’s a bit bittersweet when you’re at this point. Wonderful country, great waves, and amazing fans.” Earlier, the news of Slater’s withdrawal was broken by WSL on Instagram itself. 

Speaking on the matter, Slater commented that he was facing chronic pain and mobility issues with his hips. He wished his fellow surfers all the best for the tournament while leaving a silver lining for his fans. Slater said that he would, in all probability, be competing at the Bells. Notably, this was Slater’s debut tournament where he participated as a full-time surfer. Now with Slater gone, Matias Canhoto, a Peniche native is slated to fill in as his replacement. 

Nonetheless, Kelly Slater, albeit considered the GOAT of surfing, has been on a rough patch recently. His subsequent tournaments have not gone his way

Kelly Slater suffered consecutive losses

While the Rip Curl Pro was the third installment of the current year’s Championship tour, Slater has looked lackluster in his previous outings as well. Competing at the first race of the season, Slater was found wanting as he failed to win the Lexus Pipe Pro, while Ethan Ewing walked away with the triumph. Next, Slater looked to find his momentum at the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach. Unfortunately, once again, he could not stand up to his reputation and lost to the Australian Ewing. 

Read More: “They’re Not All So Glorious”: 29 Years After Special Career Moment, Surfing Legend Kelly Slater Makes a Shocking Revelation

Thus, with things looking grim for Slater, fans would desperately want to see him return at the Bells. Although he does not have much to prove after winning the World Championship a whopping 11 times, getting some victories before he hangs up his boots would be a nice way to finish. 

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