Injury forces Cannavaro into retirement
Source: Agencies |
July 10, 2011, Sunday
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Print Edition
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FORMER World Player of the Year Fabio Cannavaro retired yesterday five years to the day since captaining Italy to World Cup glory.
The 37-year-old, who stepped down from Italy duty after last year's humbling World Cup group-stage exit as defending champion, has ended his time with Dubai's al-Ahli because of a recurring knee injury.
"It's a sad day since football has been very much part of my life for the last 20 years, but then there is nothing I could do," the former Parma, Juventus, Inter Milan and Real Madrid player told reporters in the United Arab Emirates.
"I have decided to stop playing after a medical examination in Italy last week. Doctors have told me clearly that I can no longer play.
"Injuries are part of a sportsman's life, but then life moves on. Every sportsperson in the world has to make a decision one day. And today is the day for me."
Cannavaro is the only defender to be voted FIFA World Player of the Year, winning in 2006 after Italy conceded only two goals at the World Cup. He played in four World Cups in a 19-year professional career, and holds the Italian record with 136 international appearances.
Four years after the World Cup triumph, however, he looked a completely different player in South Africa last year with age catching up with him and exposing his lack of height (at 1.77 meters) and pace.
Cannavaro, who had signed a two-year deal with al-Ahli in June last year, made 16 appearances for the Dubai club and scored two goals.
He will continue with the club as a technical advisor and brand ambassador as part of a three-year agreement. "I am really happy that the club has offered me a new contract," the Italian said.
The 37-year-old, who stepped down from Italy duty after last year's humbling World Cup group-stage exit as defending champion, has ended his time with Dubai's al-Ahli because of a recurring knee injury.
"It's a sad day since football has been very much part of my life for the last 20 years, but then there is nothing I could do," the former Parma, Juventus, Inter Milan and Real Madrid player told reporters in the United Arab Emirates.
"I have decided to stop playing after a medical examination in Italy last week. Doctors have told me clearly that I can no longer play.
"Injuries are part of a sportsman's life, but then life moves on. Every sportsperson in the world has to make a decision one day. And today is the day for me."
Cannavaro is the only defender to be voted FIFA World Player of the Year, winning in 2006 after Italy conceded only two goals at the World Cup. He played in four World Cups in a 19-year professional career, and holds the Italian record with 136 international appearances.
Four years after the World Cup triumph, however, he looked a completely different player in South Africa last year with age catching up with him and exposing his lack of height (at 1.77 meters) and pace.
Cannavaro, who had signed a two-year deal with al-Ahli in June last year, made 16 appearances for the Dubai club and scored two goals.
He will continue with the club as a technical advisor and brand ambassador as part of a three-year agreement. "I am really happy that the club has offered me a new contract," the Italian said.
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