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Daniele De Rossi, Italian football legend, finally hangs his boots after 20 years

Tuesday, January 07, 2020 at 11:10 AM by Oluwatomiwa Babalola

- Daniele De Rossi announces retirement from football after playing for as long as close to two decades

- The 36-year-old midfielder last featured for Argentine topflight side Boca Juniors this month

- De Rossi won World Cup in 2006 with the Italian national team while clinching three cup competitions with AS Roma

Italian football legend Daniele De Rossi has announced his retirement from the game after playing for as long as close to 20 years.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning midfielder last featured for Argentine topflight side Boca Juniors scoring just one goal in seven appearances after just one season.

De Rossi spent most of his professional career at Serie A side AS Roma - making 616 appearances and scored 63 while assisting 54 others after 18 seasons.

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While confirming the news, the 36-year-old was joined by Boca Juniors president Jorge Amor Ameal at a press conference on Monday, January 6.

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Football-italia.net reported he said: "I simply need to be back home. It's not a serious injury problem or any other major issue, really.

"I simply feel the need to be back with my family. I miss my daughter in particular and she is missing me. I have made this decision, it is definitive.

"Everyone has tried to convince me otherwise, they offered me more time, but the decision has been made and there's nothing strange about it.

"I leave a piece of my heart here, as nobody can realise what it means to play at the Bombonera and be in the Boca dressing room. This has been a unique experience.

"You welcomed me like a brother here and I will never forget that. I'll continue watching Boca games and I'm sure I'll come back in future to be in the stands.

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"I had made my decision in October, but I thought it only right to come back here and tell people face-to-face, as a sign of respect.

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"Along with this club that will always have a place in my heart, I also leave my playing career. I will certainly continue to work in football, though."

During his reign in Italy, De Rossi won two Coppa Italia titles (2006–07, 2007–08) and Supercoppa Italiana trophy in 2007.

Legit.ng earlier reported that former Spain international, David Villa, has announced retirement from active football at the age of 37 after an illustrious and trophy-laden spell across clubs spanning two decades.

The Barcelona legend dropped the curtain on his career with Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Wednesday, November 13.

Known for his versatility and goal poaching skills, Villa enjoyed an enviable stellar professional career where he was able to score 376 goals in 752 games across his club spell.