Former Juventus midfielder and Italy star Claudio Marchisio has announced his retirement from professional soccer at the age of 33 after a short spell with Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.
Claudio Marchisio Retires from Professional Football
Reportedly, the midfielder had been without a club since Zenit agreed to terminate his contract on July 1 after only one season in Russia. Marchisio ended his stay at Juve last year after spending 25 years at the club where he won seven Serie A titles as well as four Italian Cups. He earned 55 caps for Italy, the last of which was in 2017. He was part of the side that reached the final of Euro 2012 and claimed the bronze medal at the 2013 Confederations Cup
Marchisio took to Twitter and said: “I’d made a promise to the kid who dreamt to become a football player. I would have played until I had felt the marvel of the dream coming true by stepping into the pitch.
In the past months, my mind and my heart went through mixed feelings and I finally understood I wasn’t fulfilling my promise anymore.
There are times when it is right for the heart to prevail over the mind, that’s why I prefer to stop.
I have no regrets, also thanks to my family that have taught me to eagerly look into the future.
So, thank you dream! You gave me courage, strength, success and, above all, joy!”
Juve also tweeted a video in recognition of their former player, who won 15 trophies with the club, including seven Serie A titles.
Barcelona great Andres Iniesta replied on Marchisio’s Twitter, he wrote, “I enjoyed watching you play but competing against you even more. Today, football is a little less football.”
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