Former Juventus centre-back Andrea Barzagli explained his reasons for retiring from football and his plans for the future.
The 38-year-old retired at the end of last season and was initially touted to become part of coach Maurizio Sarri’s backroom staff.
“I decided to retire because I felt I’d given everything I had to give,” he told L’Ultimo Uomo.
“Physically I was not as good as I was in the past, but it’s not just that. Above all, I’d reached a mental limit.
“I felt I was no longer able to guarantee the levels of performance I was once able to, and it bothered me.
“I’ve often heard that once you’ve stopped playing, you can lose your adrenaline, but I honestly feel very good.
“I went through my entire career with such intensity that now, I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. I feel reborn as a person.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time with my family and I won’t hide that I’d have liked to stay with them when it was time to go on preseason camps.”
