|
|
|
 |
 |
| Gattuso to retire from national team |
 |
Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso will retire from international football following the World Cup but says he would like to coach the Azzuri in the future.
Gattuso, 32, was a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006 but says he is now feeling the effects of age and wants to allow younger players a chance.
"It is only right, for the way I see football, that at the age of 33 I step aside and give more space for players who have better physical stamina," he said. "As a player, it will be my last World Cup, but then I have a dream of one day leading the Nazionale to this tournament as a coach."
Gattuso has had a difficult season with AC Milan due to a string of injury problems but he insists he is ready to play his part in South Africa.
"I wake up without pain now and can train regularly," he said. "Undoubtedly I had a very tough campaign, but Marcello Lippi gave me this chance and I must be ready.
"For 11 years, I was accustomed to playing every game. I played the Confederations Cup with half a leg working and after the knee injury often played despite not being 100%. Now I am fine and feel good. I know that I am still important for this squad, otherwise I would've asked Lippi to leave me behind. I need to have enthusiasm in my work, otherwise I don't feel happy with myself and would rather be at home fishing.
"If I don't start then I'll cheer on my team-mates. It is an honour for me to wear the Azzurri jersey and there's nothing better. I would've come to South Africa just as a water boy."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
