Former Serie A player Benatia retires at 34

Former Udinese, Roma and Juventus defender Medhi Benatia has announced his retirement from football at 34. ‘From an early age I had only one dream’.

The former Morocco international has decided to stop playing after a stint with Karagümrük in Turkey and leaves football after long a career at the highest level.

Benatia arrived in Italy in July 2010, when he signed with Udinese on a free transfer. He remained for three years at the Friuli and earned a move to Roma in the Italian capital.

His performances with the Giallorossi gave him a chance to sign for Bayern Munich, where he picked up two Bundesliga titles and the German cup.

Benatia returned to Italy for a three-year stint at Juventus, winning three Scudetti, two Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.

The Moroccan played 153 times in Serie A, scoring 14 goals in the process and has thanked the clubs in a letter.

“From an early age, I had only one dream,” Benatia wrote, according to TMW. “To become a professional footballer.

“To get there I had to strive and work hard, make sacrifices, but above all set new goals at every stage of my career.

“Thank God I was lucky enough to become a professional footballer, but as they say in this profession, the hardest part is not signing the first contract but lasting over time.

“After more than 15 years of ‘good and loyal service’ to football, having played in the most prestigious competitions, I decided to close my career!

“I have met great people throughout my career, who have allowed me to grow, which is why I want to pay tribute to all the clubs I have played for: OM, Lorient, Tours, Clermont, Udinese, Roma, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Duhail, Karagumruk.

“This work has also allowed me to defend and represent my country, Morocco, with which I have lived unforgettable moments, especially the 2018 World Cup.

“Finally, to conclude, I would like to thank all those who have supported me all this time: my parents, my wife, my children, my agent, my dear friends and you who follow me.

“They say that the end of one thing is always the beginning of another… So, I’ll say see you soon, always with work and passion as a guideline. Medhi.”