Former Juventus player and World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi has announced his retirement at the age of 35 with an emotional message.
He had been most recently signed to Inter Miami with a contract until December 31 and decided this was the time to hang up his boots for good.
“Dear Football, I loved you so much,” wrote the midfielder with a photograph of himself holding France’s 2018 World Cup.
“Football, you gave me so much, but the time has come to say enough. I accomplished my childhood dreams and the dreams I had as a grown man.
“It is with a lump in my throat, but with pride, that I turn over this new leaf today. Thank you!”
Matuidi started his career with Creteil-Lusitanos, Troyes and Saint-Etienne before finding fame at Paris Saint-Germain from 2011 to 2017.
He then became a fan favourite during his three years at Juventus, before seeing out his final seasons in Miami.
The Frenchman made 133 competitive appearances in the Juve jersey, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists, winning three Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.
Merci Blasu !