Roma midfielder Simone Perrotta has called time on his playing career at the age of 35.
The veteran midfielder, who won the World Cup in 2006 with Italy, decided to hang up his boots after nine seasons with the Giallorossi.
While he will no longer be playing for the capital-based club, Perrotta would like to still be involved in some fashion with last season’s Coppa Italia runners-up.
“I’m definitely not staying on at Roma as a player,” he stated to Teleradiostereo.
“[In fact], I don’t think I will continue playing at all, as I’d rather conclude my career with Roma than with some other club. I’ve always wanted to finish my playing days in this jersey and I feel this is the right choice.
“[However], it is possible that my time here at Roma can continue in another way.”
The 35-year-old, while praising new incoming coach Rudi Garcia, feels that he was no longer wanted by the new manager and hinted that this was a big factor in making his decision to retire.
“I arrived at Roma quietly, so I felt it was best for me to leave quietly. [I’m sure that] next year will be better, as it’s really difficult for things to be worse.
“It is only right that the project continues to move forward with players they feel are necessary, and the club has plans and will spend money to reinforce the squad. The coach seems to be a decent person who has been successful in France and should hopefully succeed here.”
Finally, he touched on his disappointment at Roma’s Coppa Italia loss to cross-town rivals Lazio and his regret at not being able to feature in the match.
“My biggest regret is my last game, and it’s a big disappointment that I will never get over. It really shouldn’t have ended that way.”
