Juventus’ Italian defender Andrea Barzagli acknowledges fans at the end of the Italian Serie A football match SPAL 2013 vs Juventus on April 13, 2019 at the Paolo-Mazza stadium in Ferrara. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP)
Veteran Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, announced Saturday that he will retire from football at the end of the season.
“When you’re a footballer you find it hard to think about life after football, but this season’s injuries helped me to understand. I’ve decided to quit in June,” the 37-year-old said after a 2-1 defeat by SPAL.
Barzagli made a rare start against SPAL — where a point would have sealed an eighth consecutive league title for Juve — after a season hampered by injury.
“I’m trying to figure out what to do next,” he said. “I am attracted to various ideas in the world of football, and I will take the time to decide.
“Playing soccer was my dream as a child. I have to find something…
