Chelsea midfielder Roberto di Matteo has announced his retirement at the age of 31 because of injury.
The former Italian international has lost his 18-month battle against the triple leg fracture he suffered against Swiss club St Gallen in September 2000.
Di Matteo joined Chelsea for a-then club record £4.9 million sterling from Lazio in July 1996. He famously scored Wembley's fastest goal after just 43 seconds of the 1997 FA Cup final win over Middlesbrough.
He said: "I have worked hard to try and get back but unfortunately I am still experiencing problems and I have had to face up to the sad decision that my playing days are over".
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