Italian star Fabio Cannavaro hangs up boots

Former-Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro has retired from football at the age of 37 due to persistent knee problems.

The veteran defender was playing for United Arab Emirates side Al-Ahli and he has decided to stay on at the club as a technical adviser.

Cannavaro had missed the last seven games of last season with his knee troubles and was told by doctors that it would harm his health if he carried on playing.

Sad

The Italian told press: “ I am very sad. Football is everything for me in my life,”. I think rather than looking at it as a sad moment he should use this moment as a chance to celebrate his illustrious career.

Illustrious

Cannavaro had enjoyed an illustrious career at both club and international level. He was one of the best defenders of his generation, if not the best at his prime. In fact I believe he was one of the best defenders I have ever seen play the game.

The former-Italian international has also represented some of the biggest clubs in the world. Cannavaro represented Italian giants Inter and Juventus as well as Spanish goliaths Real Madrid during his playing career. At every club he played for he won honours and titles.

His crowning achievement though had to be winning the World Cup with Italy in 2006. The defender also became the first defender ever to win World Player of the Year in the same year. This was deserved reward for his long and illustrious career at the top of the game.

International

Fabio Cannavaro represented the Azzurri at four World Cup’s and played in two finals. The defender also holds the record for the number of international appearances by an Italian, having made 136 appearances for the Azzurri.

Slowing

Last summer it was clear that Fabio Cannavaro’s career was slowing down when Juventus decided not to renew his contract. A move to the United Arab Emirates was a lucrative one and a chance to carry on playing within a less challenging environment.

Cannavaro could have taken the easy way out last summer and quit the game after he left the Old Lady. Instead he decided to make one last move. And It seems it was a good one as he is well thought of in the UAE.

Advisor

Al-Ahli have kept Cannavaro at the club as a technical adviser. Football in the United Arab Emirates is a fast developing sport but the game currently lacks the expertise to take the game forward.

However the presence of the likes of Fabio Cannavaro at clubs in the region will only help the game develop. Cannavaro is acknowledged as an intelligent guy and he has a lot of knowledge to impart in the region.

Proud

Fabio Cannavaro should be immensely proud of what he has achieved in the beautiful game. The story of Fabio Cannavaro the footballer might have just came to an end but the story of Fabio Cannavaro the football ambassador could just be about to begin.

Was Fabio Cannavaro the best defender of his generation?