Zola announces retirement

Rome:

Italy's Gianfranco Zola announced his retirement from soccer today, ending a career that saw the Sardinian player star in teams across Italy's Serie A and the English Premier League. The 38-year-old striker told reporters that he would not play for his Cagliari team next season to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family. "It was not an easy decision and it required some time," he said at a news conference. "I think the moment has come for me to dedicate myself to those things that I've neglected over these years." Before returning to his native Cagliari in 2003, Zola spent five years at Chelsea, where he became one of the best players in the English Premier League and was named player of the year. (AP)