Sasa Papac retires from football

Bosnian international Sasa Papac has announced that he has retired from football for health reasons.

The veteran defender has been a free agent since leaving Rangers in June, thus ending a six-year spell with the Scottish giants.

Despite receiving several offers to continue his career, Papac has decided to put an end to his playing career after failing to properly recover from a groin injury.

“After long thought I have decided to end my playing career,” Papac explained in an e-mail sent to Bosnian newspaper Dnevni List.

“For health reasons I’m no longer able to meet the requirements of professional football.

“I wish all the best to all my former clubs and of course to my national team, which can qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”

Sasa Papac began his career with Bosnian side Siorki Brijeg, but soon made a move to Austria, joining Karnten in 2001.

The Bosnian defender also went on to play for Austria Wien before signing for Rangers on transfer deadline day in August 2006.

The full-back made a total of 142 SPL appearances for Gers, scoring 6 goals in the process.

Papac also earned 39 Bosnia-Hercegovina caps, but should have had much more as he was often overlooked by national team bosses.