Former world football player of the year Fabio Cannavaro has retired, five years to the day since captaining Italy to World Cup glory.
The 37-year-old, who stepped down from Italy duty after last year's humbling World Cup group stage exit as holders, has ended his time with Dubai's Al Ahli because of a recurring knee injury.
Cannavaro is the only defender to win the FIFA World Player award after his calm, authoritative captaining and defensive play led Italy to glory in 2006.
Four years on however and he looked a completely different player in South Africa last year with age catching up with him and exposing his lack of height and pace.
Cannavaro, who had signed a two-year deal with Al Ahli in June last year, made 16 appearances for the Dubai club and scored two goals.
He will continue with the club as a technical advisor and brand ambassador as part of a three-year agreement.
