Former AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze on Saturday announced his intention to retire from football at the end of the season in order to to start a career in politics in his native Georgia.
The 34-year-old made his name during a nine-year spell with the Rossoneri before finishing his career at Genoa.
"I am moved to tell you that after 18 years of football I’ve decided to retire," Kaladze told the press.
"Part of me is disappointed but I thank everyone, Genoa, Milan, the fans, my team-mates, the opponents.
"I will begin a new adventure, as I have decided to go into politics. I want to fight for liberty and democracy in Georgia.
"I dream of a Georgia in which my children can grow in freedom. I want my country to become part of the EU and of NATO."
Politics are very close to Kaladze’s heart and he already has experience of the worst aspects of Georgian life.
In 2001 his brother Levan, a medical student, was kidnapped and a ransom requested, but he was found dead in 2006.
Kaladze follows the footsteps of George Weah, Oleg Blokhin, Gianni Rivera, Marc Wilmots and Romário as footballer-turned-politician.
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| Kakha Kaladze will retire from professional football to start a career in politics |
The 34-year-old made his name during a nine-year spell with the Rossoneri before finishing his career at Genoa.
"I am moved to tell you that after 18 years of football I’ve decided to retire," Kaladze told the press.
"Part of me is disappointed but I thank everyone, Genoa, Milan, the fans, my team-mates, the opponents.
"I will begin a new adventure, as I have decided to go into politics. I want to fight for liberty and democracy in Georgia.
"I dream of a Georgia in which my children can grow in freedom. I want my country to become part of the EU and of NATO."
Politics are very close to Kaladze’s heart and he already has experience of the worst aspects of Georgian life.
In 2001 his brother Levan, a medical student, was kidnapped and a ransom requested, but he was found dead in 2006.
Kaladze follows the footsteps of George Weah, Oleg Blokhin, Gianni Rivera, Marc Wilmots and Romário as footballer-turned-politician.
Related links:
Team
Also see:
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