Former Serie A star Candreva announced his retirement at the age of 38

Antonio Candreva announced on Tuesday that he would end his professional career at the age of 38. He also posted a video on his personal social media platform to officially bid farewell to the football world.

"Dear football, today is one of the most important days in my life. It's time to say goodbye," Candreva said in the video. He has been a free agent since leaving Sampdoria in July 2024 and has been unemployed at home for nearly eight months.

"Here, at the San Siro, I play the final match of my professional career. Thirty years ago, I started my football journey at the San Siro, through countless joys and pains, sacrifices and triumphs, and countless emotions."

"I have realized my dream and practiced what I love. I think retirement is not the end, but a new beginning. Thank you, football, see you soon."

Antonio Candreva, 38, mainly plays as a front midfielder, but can also play as a right winger, right midfielder and right midfielder. He was born in the youth training of Ternana. After completing his professional debut in 2004, he played for Udinese, Livorno, Juventus, Parma, Cesena, Lazio, Inter Milan, Sampdoria, Salernitana and other teams.

So far, Candreva has made 693 appearances at the club level, including 10 Champions League games, 38 Europa League games, 502 Serie A games and 64 Serie B games. He contributed 106 goals and 122 assists, and won the Italian Cup with Lazio in the 2012/13 season.

As for the national team, Candreva has represented Italy since 2009, making 54 appearances so far, scoring 7 goals and providing 13 assists.