Di Natale announces retirement

By Football Italia staff

Udinese and Italy striker Antonio Di Natale has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

“The decision has already been made,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I talked it over with my family and my agent, so I’ve decided this is my last campaign. It all ends in June.”

Speaking after a 3-1 home defeat to Verona, Di Natale also confessed to feeling bitter at recent criticism.

“It does hurt, because I’ve scored more goals for Udinese than I’ve gone out for dinner with my wife. I care about Udinese, as this club is like my family.”

Di Natale turned 36 in October and has been at the Stadio Friuli since July 2004.

In 359 games in all competition, he has scored 182 goals for Udinese. The hitman also found the net 11 times in 42 caps for Italy.

Curiously, Coach Francesco Guidolin told media he "knew nothing about this. I still hope it was just a moment of disappointment and he can change his mind."

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