Ex-Croatia captain Boban quits

VIGO, Spain, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Former Croatia international Zvonimir Boban has decided to retire from football following his failure to win a regular first-team place at new club Celta Vigo. 'I am hardly playing in the team, and after thinking it over I decided that this was the best option,' the former AC Milan player told a news conference on Monday.

'I came to Vigo with great hopes that I could be a part of the club's plans for this year, but I no longer feel that this is possible.

'I'm sad about it, but I think that this is the fairest thing to do because I can't bear it when I am not playing a leading role in a team.

'I came to Celta to play and try to achieve great things, but it wasn't to be. So it is best for us to leave on good terms as I do not want to cause the side any problems.

'The decision to come to the club has turned out to be an error in sporting terms, but I regret nothing because everyone has treated me very well and in the end I am sorry that I have had to take this decision.'

The 33-year-old, who joined the Galician club at the beginning of August in a loan deal from AC Milan, has faced competition for a berth in the Celta midfield from established players Alexander Mostovoi and Valery Karpin.

Victor Fernandez's team has begun the season in fine form and are undefeated in the league. After a 3-1 victory against former leaders Real Betis they now lie second in the Spanish first division, just a point behind neighbours Deportivo Coruna.

'I can't see much hope of playing regularly,' said Boban. 'I understand that it is difficult for the coach to choose me and it is clear that the tactical balance of the team is the main obstacle that is preventing me from playing.'

Boban made his name as a player after moving to Italy from Dinamo Zagreb in 1991. After a season on loan at Bari he returned to AC Milan, helping the side to four Italian titles and the European Cup in 1994.

A former captain of his national side with 51 caps to his name, he retired from international football at the end of 1999.

He has struggled with injuries in the past two seasons and his departure from the San Siro was widely expected after Milan signed Portuguese playmaker Rui Costa from Fiorentina in July.

He said on Monday that after 16 seasons as a professional he would be hanging up his boots for good, but believed he would retain his links with the sport.

'I think I have given a lot to this sport and I am now definitely retiring,' Boban said.

'After many years away I want to return to my country, study history, enjoy my family although I am sure I will keep in touch with football as it has been like a drug to me.'

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

Answers

Genuinely great player in his prime - you don't get to play at Milan for a decade without being something special. Haven't seen him play in a good while though - anyone know if he's still any good? If we were to go in for him it would smack a bit of swapping one aging midfield former star for another. Also, I suspect his club would want a fee if he comes out of retirement. Guardiola might have been a better bet - where did he go in the end?

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

Not to mention that this particular 'aging m/f star' would demand about twice the wages that many people appear to begrudge our existing 'aging m/f star', and is probably not as good anyway.

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

Stay well away, he'd want a fortune like Clarky says, and if he takes after Boksic then he'd be injured most of the time anyway.

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

well saw this bloke play two seasons ago and he was extra special outstanding to the point where Milan were appalling without him. Genuine shame if he retires even so we could just watch him elsewhere. Yes would cost a bomb in wages but worth it for 1-2 seasons if he cuold be pursuaded for the 'challenge' of it. Sensational player in his prime and a thinking type player, a rich man's Teddy Sheringham and I'm sure still much to offer.

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

Boban? Bobbins

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001