Genoa defender Kakha Kaladze has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season.
The 34-year-old made a decision to call it quits after what was a pretty successful career that lasted 19 years.
Kaladze started his professional career at Georgian giants Dinamo Tbilisi, where he spent six years before moving to Dynamo Kiev.
AC Milan splashed no less than €16 million on the player in 2001 and he enjoyed a lot of success with the Rossoneri until deciding to leave for Genoa in August 2010.
The Georgian defender announced his plans at a press conference on Saturday.
“I am moved to tell you that after 18 years of football I’ve decided to retire,” Kaladze explained. “I must thank Genoa, Milan, the fans and all of my teammates.”
The player also revealed that he intended to pursue a career in politics.
“I will begin a new adventure, as I have decided to go into politics. I want to fight for liberty and democracy in Georgia.
“I dream of a Georgia in which my children can grow in freedom. I want my country to become part of the EU and of NATO.”
Kaladze has been considering a political career for quite a while now, that is ever since his brother was found dead in 2006.
His brother Levan, then a student, was kidnapped in 2001 but was found dead five years later.
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