Former Milan, Juventus and Italy striker Alessandro Matri has announced his retirement from professional football. “I’ve made my dreams come true.”
Matri endured eight goalless appearances during a loan spell at Brescia in the first half of the season and was released on a free transfer by Sassuolo in January.
“I can say I’ve made my dreams come true,” the 35-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.
“When I started out, I didn't think I would’ve had a career like the one I had and win three Scudetti.
Former Milan, Juventus and Italy striker Alessandro Matri has announced his retirement from professional football. “I’ve made my dreams come true.”
Matri endured eight goalless appearances during a loan spell at Brescia in the first half of the season and was released on a free transfer by Sassuolo in January.
“I can say I’ve made my dreams come true,” the 35-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.
“When I started out, I didn't think I would’ve had a career like the one I had and win three Scudetti.
“I can’t complain about how it went, but now I’m at the end of the road. I came to this decision after how my first six months went with Brescia.
“I lost some stimuli and didn’t feel good on the pitch. I no longer felt like playing football and it’s not part of my character to stay at a club where I can’t give what’s needed.
“After I was released, I didn’t receive many offers and I wasn’t convinced by any of them.
“I preferred to avoid making a fool of myself. I’ll miss my life as a footballer, but only a big offer could get me going again.”
The forward began his career at Milan but made his name with Cagliari between 2007 and 2011, scoring 36 goals in 127 appearances.
He enjoyed success with Juve, winning three Serie A titles, but a move back to Milan in 2015 yielded just one goal.
Matri went on to play for Fiorentina, Genoa and Lazio on loan, squeezing in a return to Juve and scoring the winner in the 2015 Coppa Italia Final, before winding down at Sassuolo.
He represented Italy at international level, netting once in seven caps.