Football: Injury forces Cannavaro retirement

DUBAI: World Cup-winning Italy star Fabio Cannavaro has announced his retirement after being told his chronic knee injury would prevent him from playing any longer.

“I’m very sad. Football is everything for me in my life,” said the 37-year-old defender.

Cannavaro, who was named Fifa World Player of the Year in 2006 after leading Italy to World Cup glory, spent the last season with Dubai-based club Al Ahli but missed their final seven games of the season. Cannavaro has, however, confirmed he will be taking on a role as a technical adviser at the club.

“Unfortunately, my knee can no longer cope with playing football but I will be staying here for the next three years in an executive role,” said the Italian.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2011.