AC Milan midfielder Rino
Gattuso has declared he will retire from international football
after the World Cup.
The Milan midfielder has decided to hang up his Azzurri boots
following this experience in South Africa, joining
Fabio Cannavaro.
“It is only right, for the way I see football, that at the age
of 33 I step aside and give more space for players who have better
physical stamina,” he explained in a Press conference.
“As a player it will be my last World
Cup, but then I have a dream of one day leading the
Nazionale to this tournament as a Coach.”
It has not been a vintage season for Gattuso, who suffered from
a series of injury problems.
“I wake up without pain now and can train regularly. Undoubtedly
I had a very tough campaign, but Marcello Lippi gave me this chance
and I must be ready.
“For 11 years I was accustomed to playing every game. I played
the Confederations Cup with half a leg working and after the knee
injury often played despite not being 100 per cent. Now I am fine
and feel good.
“I know that I am still important for this squad, otherwise I
would’ve asked Lippi to leave me behind. I need to have enthusiasm
in my work, otherwise I don’t feel happy with myself and would
rather be at home fishing.”