Gennaro Gattuso Set To Quit International Football

Combative midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, Italy’s own African “Rino”, will quit the national side after one last rampage at the World Cup.

“At (almost) 33 years old, for the role I have in football, it’s right to give my spot to people with more energy,” the 2006 World Cup winner told a news conference.

Asked if this meant he would retire from Italy after the tournament, he added: “Yes”.

Gattuso, who turns 33 in January, was a key part of Italy’s 2006 success because of his larger-than-life character and motivational qualities.

Never the most gifted of footballers, he made up for his deficiencies going forward by snapping at the most famous of heels and making sure he won the ball back as often as possible.