Alessandro Nesta has confirmed that he is leaving AC Milan after this weekend’s game against Novara with Major League Soccer in America a likely destination for the 36-year-old defender.
Nesta, who began his career with Lazio, won two Champions League finals and two Serie A titles with Milan.
“When I finish the season I think about the following one, and I think that with the rhythm of the season, what with the Champions League and everything else, I won’t be able to play all the time,” Nesta told reporters at Milan’s training ground.
“And seeing as I can’t just sit on the bench and wait my turn… if I don’t feel like an important part of the team then I would prefer to stay at home.
“Out of respect for the club and myself I would prefer to go and experience something different where I can still enjoy myself, do something good.”
Nesta leaves behind a whole host of happy memories, including beating Juventus on penalties in the 2003 Champions League final at Old Trafford which Nesta described as his “favourite victory”.
“I’ll miss everyone,” he said. “I want to thank everyone that works at Milanello (Milan’s training ground). And naturally I will miss my old team mates like (Massimo) Ambrosini, (Gennaro) Gattuso, (Clarence) Seedorf, (Paolo) Maldini, (Alessandro) Costacurta and Andrea (Pirlo). I came to Milan as a Roman and I felt better here than at home.”