"Roma" star Daniele De Rossi hinted that he could say goodbye to football as early as 2019, and next year's World Cup in Russia will likely be his last chance to wear Italy's national team jersey.
The defender is in the lineup for his country's friendly match against Uruguay. If he takes the field, it will be his 113th match for Italy, surpassing Dino Zoff and moving him into fifth place.
The 33-year-old veteran signed a new two-year contract with "giallorossi" last week, but its end may coincide with the end of his career.
"First let's qualify for the World Cup, and then, in 2018, I will be 35, so I could even say goodbye to the 'azzurri' jersey," De Rossi said.
"Surpassing Zoff is a great honor for me, soon it will be Andrea Pirlo, so we are talking about Italian football legends."
"In a few months I will be 34 and I am absolutely sure that I can be an important player in the World Cup."
"However, thinking about 2020, I will be 37, so I have to be realistic. If needed, I will always be here, but I consider the World Cup as my last experience," he added.
"This contract, which I just signed, could be the last contract in my football career."
This season, De Rossi played 40 matches in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing six assists.
