Despite moving to Monza in the summer on a free transfer, Andrea Ranocchia announced on Thursday that he would be retiring from football.
The now ex-defender picked up an injury, and while he could have undergone the treatment needed to recover, he decided enough was enough, publishing a video on Instagram to reveal he was hanging up his boots.
In his recorded message, the 34-year-old, who spent 11 years of his life at Inter, also took time to praise Tottenham manager Antonio Conte.
The two worked together at the Serie A side and in the Italy national team, and, judging by what Ranocchia had to say, he’s the one who had the biggest impact on his career.
The Tottenham boss is often praised by his players, with many of the current squad already doing so repeatedly, such has been the change under his tutelage since he took over at the London club.
Ranocchia added to all that by saying, relayed by Gazzetta dello Sport: “He transformed me: he is a coach who draws you in and changes your way of thinking, he transformed me into a winner. He is a coach who when he leaves you, you are no longer the same as before.
“I was lucky enough to know him and from there my career at a high level began. I had a very good time, being able to say that I have played against great leagues is a pride for me. I have always given everything and I thank all my family for the support they have given me, for the joys.”
Since taking over at Tottenham, Conte turned a rather poor start to the last campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo around by qualifying Spurs for the Champions League.
This form has continued into the current campaign, as they currently sit third in the Premier League, still unbeaten after winning four of their first six games.
