Cristian Chivu has announced his retirement from football after his Inter Milan contract was terminated by mutual consent on Monday.
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The 33-year-old, whose deal was set to expire in June, has struggled with a foot injury in recent campaigns and has not featured for Inter this season.
And after the Nerazzurri confirmed that Chivu had left the club, the player himself took to Facebook to reveal that he is now hanging up his boots.
He wrote: "Football gave me something that will serve me throughout my life. I learned what passion is, what courage and sacrifice are. All of these qualities are a bridge between dreams and reality."
A statement from Inter read: “Seven unforgettable seasons, glittering with success. Victories interspersed with trials, and the will to overcome them together with his team-mates. Inter and Cristian Chivu shared a relationship that went well beyond the pitch and pure professionalism.
“The club wishes to thank Cristian for his great strength, loyalty and the key role he played in his years that will always be remembered as among some of the most glorious in Inter's history.
“FC Internazionale wishes to send a warm thanks to the player, as well as his wonderful family, for all he has done for the club."
Chivu joined the San Siro outfit from Roma in 2007 and won three Serie A titles, as well as a Champions League trophy, two Italian Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup.
The veteran full-back was a member of Jose Mourinho's historic Treble-winning Inter side in 2010.