Aquilani announces retirement from football

Former Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani announced on Friday that he has decided to retire from professional football, at the age of 34.

Aquilani, a graduate of the Giallorossi youth academy, went on to make 149 appearances for his boyhood club - scoring 15 goals.

With Roma he won the Coppa Italia twice, in 2007 and 2008, and the Supercoppa in 2007.

His professional career also took him to Liverpool, Juventus, AC Milan and Fiorentina.

A full Italy international, Aquilani made 38 appearances for his country between 2006 and 2014.

“After a period of reflection, I think the time has come for me to hang up the boots on that peg we all hate,” Aquilani wrote in an Instagram post. “But the time comes for everyone.

“And now the time has come to follow new paths – different in their day-to-day aspects, but still new challenges in their own way. I took my time to decide the best option. But, despite the many offers that came in, I think the time has come to say ‘enough’.

“Looking back at the kid with the long hair in the green shirt of Spes Montesacro that got the call from Roma, who got to see the most important grounds in Europe, got to play with some of the best players in the world, got to wear the shirt of the national team and played in the three best competitions in the world. That kid realised his dream.

“It has been a journey that has seen me grow as a person and a professional, and seen me start my own family. There is a moment for everyone and this is the moment to grow even more.

“Thank you to all those who have helped me develop over the years, from coaches to teammates. Thank you to the fans, who were always there.

“Thank you to my family, always there for me – and always will be.

“The uniform and the boots will now go in the wardrobe, perhaps so I can now put on a different type of uniform. All in good time.

“Thank you everyone.”

Congratulations on a fantastic career, Alberto - and good luck with whatever comes next!