The Halifax Wanderers Football Club is proud to announce that defender Mateo Restrepo has been accepted to attend the prestigious Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

“I knew I wanted to be a doctor when I was in high school, and it became this passion that went hand and hand with football,” Restrepo said. “Now that I’ve fulfilled the dream of playing football, I need to take this next step and pursue that passion and interest. It’s something that I’ve been working towards for a long time.”

Restrepo will be stepping away from football to pursue his studies. His last match as a member of the Wanderers will be on Saturday, July 23, against FC Edmonton. 

“It’s tough to leave mid-season, and if it were up to me, I would finish the season with the boys. I leave with a heavy heart but have faith in the team and the staff, and I’m just happy to have been a part of the group these past three seasons.”

Restrepo signed with the club ahead of the 2020 CPL season, making 36 appearances over three seasons. He joined the club after attending the University of California Santa Barbara, where he studied cellular and molecular biology and was a key contributor to their soccer team.

Since joining the Wanderers, Restrepo continued to balance his commitment to the club alongside his continuing education. He studied throughout the offseason while applying to medical schools.

“I’m super grateful to have found a family in Halifax that has supported me along the way and encouraged me through the whole journey,” he said. “I’m going to miss the fans and their unwavering support; I’m always going to keep a piece of (Halifax) in my heart.”

“As a club, we are immensely proud of Mateo for earning the opportunity to pursue his second professional dream at such a young age,” Founder and President Derek Martin said. “His intelligence, work ethic, passion and character helped him to achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer, and I have no doubt those same traits will ensure he achieves his other dream of becoming a doctor; hopefully, back in Halifax one day soon!”

The Wanderers are also finalizing details on a Canadian defender who is set to join the squad in the next week.