Italy’s Gattuso announces his retirement from national squad after World Cup

Italy stalwart Gennaro Gattuso said Saturday he planned to retire from international football after the South African World Cup.

Azzuri midfiellder, Genaro Gattuso plans to retire from international football after the World Cup.

Italy stalwart Gennaro Gattuso said Saturday he planned to retire from international football after the South African World Cup.

The 32-year-old midfielder was instrumental in the Azzurri’s World Cup victory four years ago. But he has been struggling with a knee injury and was often relegated to the bench by his club A.C.Milan during the past season.

“Wearing this jersey is the most beautiful thing there can be,” Gattuso told reporters at Italy’s training grounds in Centurion. “But when you are nearly 33 years old it is right to make room for youngsters.” However, while confirming that he would be “done with Italy” after the World Cup, the midfielder said he dreamt of one day leading the Azzurri as their coach.

Gattuso, an energetic defensive midfielder known as “ringhio” (growl) for the way he lashes at his opponents, first played for Italy in 2000. He has been capped more than 70 times since but is not assured of a place when Italy take on Paraguay in their Group F clash on Monday.