An ex-footballer has graduated from high school at the age of 41.
Carmelo Valencia was expelled from school at 15 in 2000 but went on to enjoy a 19-year football career in Colombia as well as Argentina, South Korea, and China.
He won the 2007 Colombian League with Atlético Nacional, the golden boot in 2017, and the 2020 Superliga de Colombia with Junior de Barranquilla.
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He was also capped three times for his country.
After retiring from football at 38, Carmelo returned to his studies to prepare for a future in Business Administration.
He swapped his football shirt for a school uniform at Inca College in Barranquilla, Colombia, in 2023, as reported by Need To Know.
He recently celebrated his graduation at a ceremony held at the Dann Carlton Hotel in Barranquilla, calling it the fulfilment of a “frustrated dream”.
Carmelo, who made his professional debut in 2003 with Atlético Nacional, said: “One day I told my wife, ‘Honey, I’m going to go back to high school’.
“She said ‘yes, fantastic!’ And my daughters are super happy too.”
Over 700 students attended the college to complete their secondary education, with Carmelo immediately becoming the oldest student and a local celebrity.
He said, “When the kids saw me, they thought I was a teacher.
“Some didn’t recognise me, and then, when they realised I was there, it was total madness.
“Photos were being taken every single day.”
When asked if he felt old in the classroom, the 41-year-old said: “No, not at all, not in the classroom or in life.”
He admitted biology was his toughest subject because “a lot of things really confuse me”.
Carmelo said his father inspired him to return to the classroom. His dad also resumed high school at 40 and later became a lawyer.
Carmelo now hopes to become a “successful entrepreneur in Colombia, to be able to create companies, to be able to create jobs”.
He already runs a clothing brand and a beauty salon with his wife in Barranquilla.
The salon employs around 20 people, and he aims to create more jobs for locals.
He also runs a football course for the council in working-class neighbourhoods.
Carmelo added: “Don’t let anyone dictate your life, don’t let anyone dictate your career, your dreams, don’t let anyone cut them short, not even those closest to you.
“That’s the message I leave you with, and that you make the most of your time.”
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