[Official] Former Lazio Player, Hernanes Announces Retirement At The Age Of 36

Former Lazio midfielder, Hernanes has announced his retirement after 18 years in professional football and has spoken about his future.

The 36-year-old has been without a club since parting ways with Brazilian Serie A club, Sport Recife in December after just five months.

"I officially stopped playing today. I haven't played for a while, but I want to make it official. Today I'm retiring."

"My goal is to play until I'm 38. I want to play longer. But the realization that I was no longer able to be the influential player I once was, ate me away."

"I'm grateful for everything football has given me. It's time for something else."

"Becoming a coach? I thought about it. First I said no, then maybe I thought, today maybe it's an option for me. I'm thinking about doing a course, prep, but I don't want to be a coach."

Hernanes career included spells at Lazio, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Hebei China Fortune, among other clubs. The Brazilian wore the Lazio shirt for 4 seasons with 156 appearances and 41 goals.

Hernanes earned 27 Brazil caps and was a member of Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad at the 2014 World Cup, making three substitute appearances as the tournament hosts finished fourth.