Football: Antonio Candreva retires at 38.

After celebrating his 38th birthday just a few weeks ago, Antonio Candreva has officially announced his retirement from playing football. The former footballer himself made the decision public through a post on Instagram.

CAREER

Without a team since last summer, after the conclusion of his adventure with Salernitana in Serie A, Antonio Candreva, has decided to put an end to his long career. His debut in the top flight dates back to the 2007/2008 season with Udinese. Since then, the Roman winger has worn the shirts of Lazio, Juventus, Parma, Inter, Udinese, Sampdoria and Salernitana, becoming a constant presence in Serie A. In his career he has collected well 502 attendance in the top Italian competition, scoring 85 goals and providing 100 assists. Even the jersey of the National was part of his career: he played with the Azzurri 54 games, finding the net on 7 occasions. After almost a year of inactivity, Antonio Candreva has chosen to say enough. He did it with a video shot at San Siro, a stadium that represented an important part of his career in the four years spent with the Inter shirt and the scene of his last appearance on the pitch (Milan-Salernitana 3-3). The only trophy won in his career was the Coppa Italia, won with Lazio in the historic final of the 2012/2013 season against Roma. The most significant moment of his career with the Azzurri, however, was the 2016 European Championship, played under the guidance of Antonio Conte.

“A new beginning”, the farewell words

“Dear football today is one of the most important days of my life, the time has come to say goodbye. Here at San Siro, in the staircase of football, where I played my last match. Thirty years ago my journey with you began, between joys and sorrows, sacrifices and victories and certainly many emotions. I lived my dream, my passion, I don't consider it a goodbye, but only a new starting point. Thank you Football, see you soon.”