Italian star to call it a day

By European Football
December 5 2005

Demetrio Albertini has announces his retirement from professional football. The 34-year-old midfielder decided to end his glorious career as a player but is looking forward to becoming a trainer. For the ones who have seen him, his game and style will always have a place in our memory. As he announced his decision of retiring from football activity, Albertini spoke:

“After so many years, after giving my life for this sport, after so many victories and defeats with which I formed my character, I retire from football because I have now new stimulations, which I’ll carry out with the same passion that has always been in me.”

“I will prepare myself to improve this sport because after a life dedicated to it, I think studying to become a coach is unavoidable.”

Demetrio, born in Besana Brianza, Italy, on August 23rd, 1971, had a wonderful career. He played for AC Milan for 14 seasons, where he won 5 ‘scudetti’, one Champions League, 2 European SuperCups and 3 Italian SuperCups. He then moved to Spain, where he played for Atlético Madrid and Barcelona in the final seasons of his career.

His style in defensive midfield is a trade mark, always sober and calm on the ball, he was great both at recovering and distributing, not to mention his vicious shot from long distance. His performances in Milan earned him many years of playing for the Italian national team and worldwide recognition.

Now, hopefully he will transmit all that experience and quality to other players once he starts working as a coach. So the only thing left to say is: Good Luck, Demetrio!

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