Federico Balzaretti thanks everyone he knew at Roma and announces his retirement: 'When you can't play at 100 per cent, it's time to stop'.
The left-back was ruled out of the last two seasons due to a pelvic injury, and in his Press conference today he announced he was done with the sport.
“I am retiring from football,” he said, visibly stirred. “Unfortunately the injury I've had is forcing me to hang up my boots.
Federico Balzaretti thanks everyone he knew at Roma and announces his retirement: 'When you can't play at 100 per cent, it's time to stop'.
The left-back was ruled out of the last two seasons due to a pelvic injury, and in his Press conference today he announced he was done with the sport.
“I am retiring from football,” he said, visibly stirred. “Unfortunately the injury I've had is forcing me to hang up my boots.
"It's been a difficult decision to take, but when you can't play at 100 per cent, it's time to stop.
“Last year, in my last news conference here, I said I wanted to get back on the field and play one more match for Roma.
"I managed to play 90 more minutes with Roma and I'd like to thank everyone here for making that last dream come true.
"I'm happy to have spent the last few months of the season with this group and delighted we secured second place.
“I was able to play my last Roma match at the Olimpico and bring my four kids onto the pitch afterwards. It was fantastic.
"I knew Roma versus Palermo at the end of May was going to be the last match of my career. I will carry it in my heart forever.
"Thank you to Roma and to all the clubs I've played at. And thank you to the fans – they're the reason we all do this job.”