Cristian Chivu Ends Footballing Career

Inter Milan Centre Back, Cristian Chivu has announced his retirement from football after his contract at the club was cancelled by mutual consent.

The Romania international's has been hampered by a foot injury in recent seasons and has not featured for the Milan club in the 2013/14 season.

 Inter in a statement announced the retirement of their versatile defender as his current deal which was due to expire in the summer was terminated earlier than schedule after reaching an agreement the 33 year old.

"After seven seasons, Inter and Cristian Chivu announce the mutual termination of the contract between the Romanian defender and the Nerazzurri.

"The club wishes to thank Cristian for his great strength, loyalty and the key role he played in his years that will always be remembered as among some of the most glorious in Inter's history.

" FC Internazionale wishes to send a warm thanks to the player, as well as his wonderful family, for all he has done for the club." The statement by Inter said

Confirming the news on his facebook page, Chivu thank all the clubs he has played for during his illustrious career and their supporters, for their support and trust in him.

He said: "I would like to thank all the clubs I have played for, first for their trust in me and also because they have offered me the opportunity to develop and grow in various countries and cities, which helped me become a better person," his statement read.

"I thank all the supporters of the teams I have played with, as without their support and endless passion, our victories would not have been possible. I have always respected and honored the history and the tradition of all the clubs I played for.

"I have entered the football world as a child, a dreamer with a lot of ambition - I leave it with a few gray hairs, many scars and the conviction that my heart is where it belongs, even if I have always gave it to the teams I played with.

"Dad, I hope you are proud of the man I have become. This is the end of a journey... and the beginning of the rest of my life!!!"

Chivu began his career with his home-town club Resita before moving on to Universitatea Craiova. He later joined Ajax in 1999, before moving to Roma in 2003.

In 2007, Chivu joined Inter Milan where he won three Serie A titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy under Mourinho, two Italian Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup.