Nesta forced to think of retirement

Alessandro Nesta has hinted at retirement after an illustrious 19-year career.

The two-time Champions League winner recently left AC Milan at the end of his contract after spending 10-years at the San Siro following his move from Lazio in 2002.

Now without a club for the first time in his career, the former Italy international admits he may call time on his playing career, after failing to find an offer outside Italy to keep him in interested.

“The only place I want to play right now is on the beach,” he told Goal.com

Nesta wanted an opportunity to play in the MLS, but has been unable to attract any potential suitors.

“I don’t have a shot to play in MLS,” he said.

“I tried to play (in the league) but I never received any offers.”

Although Nesta is 36, only two years ago he was considered one of the top centre-backs in the world after making a complete recovery from back surgery.

During his final season at Milan, however, he battled injuries that limited his appearances and effectiveness as he features only 17 times in Serie A.

One reason that none of MLS’s 19 teams have been interested in the stalwart could be that Nesta plays in defence and the clubs in the league prefer to use their Designated Player (DP) slots on attackers.

Last year, the Chicago Fire expressed interest in Manchester United’s centre-back Rio Ferdinand but nothing materialised.

In May, Chicago’s head coach Frank Klopas said that the team were not focussing on strengthening their back line this season and denied any interest in Nesta.

“We already have a DP-like player with Arne Friedrich,” Klopas told Goal.com.

“If we pursue a DP, it will likely be in the striker position.”