Former Manchester City defender Alexander Kolarov has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
The Serbian international’s current deal with Inter Milan expires at the end of June and realizing that an extension would not be offered to him, the two-time Premier League winner decided to hang up his shoes.
Now, after his deal at Inter ends, Kolarov has taken time off for his playing career, and will instead try to move into the backroom areas of football rather than pursue a coaching or punditry career.
Kolarov had spent two years at Inter Milan after leaving Manchester City in 2017, followed by three years at Roma. The Serbia international spent seven years at City, earning them their first two Premier League titles, as well as one FA Cup and two League Cup successes.
In a statement, he said, “I always knew that sooner or later this moment would come. Although I am sorry that I am closing a chapter in my life, I am grateful that I have managed to achieve what I want.” It’s always been my dream.”
“I thank everyone who followed me in this earlier part of my career. First of all, to every teammate in which I played as well as in the football team of Serbia, my homeland, which I have always grown up with. Proudly represented.”
“I am coming to the end of this phase in my life, feeling great satisfaction with what I have achieved. I hope that with my daily performances on and off the field, I have at least partially achieved this wonderful The game has paid off and everyone who supported me,” he said.
Kolarov played a total of 247 matches for City, becoming a firm favourite. He scored 21 goals and made 37 assists.
In a statement to ANSA, Kolarov revealed that he intends to start studying and training as a sporting director at Coverciano, home of the Italian football federation.
“Now I am already focused on my ‘other’ life in the world of football. I will soon start training as a sports director and scout at the National Football Center of the Football Federation of Italy in Covercan.
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