Former Man City defender Aleksandar Kolarov retires as he prepares for a ‘second life’ in football | Daily Mail Online

Former Manchester City full-back Aleksandar Kolarov has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.

The Serbian international’s current deal with Inter Milan expires at the end of June and while sensing that an extension would not be presented to him, the two-time Premier League winner decided the time was right to hang up his boots.

Kolarov announced his retirement and future plans to study at Coverciano – home of the Italian Football Federation – in a statement to ANSA.

Aleksandar Kolarov has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36

Kolarov spent seven years at Manchester City as well as spells in Serie A with Lazio and Inter 

‘I always knew that sooner or later this day would come and despite that, I am grateful to have managed to realise what has always been my dream,’ he said.

‘Now I am already moving towards my “second life” in the world of football and for this reason, as soon as the notices will be published, I will enrol in the qualification courses, first as a scout and then as a sports director, at the Centro Tecnico Federale in Coverciano.’

Kolarov joined City from Lazio on a £16million deal in 2010 and was a fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium.

Kolarov was a free-kick specialist during his career boasting a number of memorable strikes

City’s acquisition of Gael Clichy in 2011 meant Kolarov’s first-team opportunities were minimised but the Serbian continued to play his part as City claimed their first top-flight title in 44 years.

Kolarov made a total of 246 appearances for City before returning to Serie A with Roma in 2017.

The dead ball specialist clocked up 132 appearances for Roma before moving to his final club Inter, in September 2020.

The Serbian moved to his final club Inter Milan in September 2020 where he won the Serie A

Kolarov was capped by Serbia 94 times, scoring 11 times, playing at two World Cups

The Serbian finally got his hands on the Serie A title during his swansong at the San Siro as Antonio Conte’s side ended Juventus’ nine-year title dominance with their 2021 triumph.

Kolarov’s career began at Cukaricki in his native Serbia before moving to OFK Beograd ahead of his switch to Lazio.

He was capped by Serbia 94 times, scoring 11 times and represented his country at both the 2010 and 2018 World Cup.