Aleksandar Kolarov announced on Sunday that he is hanging his cleats and that he will begin studying to become an executive. The defender spent the last two seasons of his illustrious career at Inter with a limited role. He played in just 15 matches combined. He was on an expiring contract.
The veteran had his prime years at Manchester City and Roma. He accumulated over 500 appearances in total, scoring 52 times and providing 69 assists thanks to his prowess on set-pieces and devastating left foot. He has racked up 94 caps and bagged 11 goals with the Serbian national team.
Kolarov communicated his decision to news agency Ansa over the weekend.
“I am bidding farewell to the pitch. I knew this moment would eventually come, and I am grateful for being able to achieve my childhood dreams. My second life in football is about to start. I will enroll in the courses, first as a scout and then as sporting director, at the federal technical center in Coverciano as soon as the subscriptions open up.”
The 36-year-old is one of the rare players that featured for both Lazio and Roma. He spent seven years at Manchester City, his longest spell, in between the two stints in the Italian capital. He won three championships, two in England and one with Inter, five domestic cups, including two Coppa Italia, one each with the Nerazzurri and the Biancocelesti, two Supercoppa Italiana, and one Charity Shield. The left-back was named the best Serbian footballer in 2011.