Former Liverpool player and Italian international Alberto Aquilani has announced his retirement from football.

The 34-year-old played for the current European champions for three years, making 26 appearances for the Merseysiders in all competitions. His time at Anfield came to an end after loan spells at AC Milan and Juventus.

His professional career began with AS Roma where he played over 100 times from 2002 to 2009, where he won two Coppa Italia titles and a Supercoppa.

He won 38 caps for the Italian national team, and had been part of the victorious under-19 team who won the European Championship in 2003 - he was also named Player of the Tournament.

In a post on Instagram he said, "after a period of reflection, I think the time has come to hang the shoes on that nail that we all hate. But there is a time for everything. And now the time has come to take new paths, different for everyday aspects, but at the same time attractive as new challenges.

"I took some time to understand what was the best choice. But despite the many proposals arrived, I think it's time to say enough. Looking back, I see a boy with bobbed hair in the yellow-green Spes Montesacro shirt who receives the call from Rome, to then see him tread the most important fields in Europe, playing with some of the strongest players in the world, to dress up the jersey of the national team participating in the three most important competitions in the world.

"That kid realised his dream. It was a journey that saw me grow as a professional and as a man, and that saw the birth of my family. There is a moment for everything and this is the time to grow up. I thank all the people who have contributed to my growth over the years, from coaches to professionals, through teammates.

"I thank the fans, who have been there, always. I thank my family, a fixed point forever and ever. The uniform and the shoes will now be placed in the drawer, perhaps to wear a new type of uniform. Time to time."