Cassano announces retirement

The 36-year-old, who represented Roma from 2001 to 2006, had been attempting a return to the game with Serie C side Virtus Entella – but announced on Saturday that he had decided to hang up his boots for good.

The former Italy international scored 52 goals in 161 appearances for the Giallorossi during his spell at the club, before going on to join Real Madrid.

He has often been cited by Francesco Totti as one of the teammates the No. 10 most enjoyed playing with.

“I want to thank all the friends and teammates I worked with over the years, the opponents, the coaches and directors (yes, even those I had arguments with),” Cassano wrote.

“Above all, I want to salute the fans, those on my side and in opposition, because without them football would not exist.

“Football has given me so much. It allowed me to meet magnificent people, great champions and common folk. It took me off the street, gave me a marvellous family and above all allowed me to have so much fun.”

Cassano cited a lack of desire to continue to commit to the daily grind of training as the reason behind his decision.

“In these days I figured out that I no longer have the drive to practice regularly, to play football you need passion and talent but especially determination,” he said.

“Still today, whenever I watch a game, I remain hypnotised. It’s the best sport in the world. Yes, I know, if I’d had another personality I could’ve won more and played better, but believe me, I nonetheless experienced incredible emotions and today have the only things that really matter. My family, friends and zero regrets.

“Now the second half of my life begins, I am curious and fired up to prove first of all to myself that I can do good things even without the help of my feet.”

Cassano began his career at Bari, the city of his birth, before joining Roma - and went on to play for Sampdoria, AC Milan, Inter and Parma.

He represented Italy at every youth level, going on to make 39 appearances for the senior side – scoring 10 goals.