Italian legend Roberto Baggio has confirmed he will retire from the ghame at the end of the season.
The striker’s future has been the subject of much speculation this season but his good form for Brescia had convinced some observers that he was capable of extending his career.
“This time I’m sure,’ Baggio said. ‘I quit.’
“Football is the greatest passion I have, but I think it will last for only a short time more.
“If I close my eyes, I see many episodes, but I’ve stopped dreaming and suffering.”
Asked about the achievement which had given him most satisfaction during his career, Baggio told TV1: “The most important satisfaction is to be an example for youth. I’ve never given up when facing injuries and difficulties and I’ve still tried to achieve my dreams.”
There have been reports that Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni willoffer Baggio a fitting end to his illustrious career, by including the 37-year-old Baggio in his side to face Spain in an freindly international next month.
“Do you want to know if I’m pleased?” he said when asked about thepossibility of representing Italy again.
“Certainly. It would be really beautiful.”
