Inter stalwart and former Argentina international Javier Zanetti has confirmed he is to retire at the age of 40 after spending 19 seasons with Inter.

The versatile defender has struggled with injury of late and, having made just four starts for Inter this season, had been reported to be calling it a day at the end of the campaign.

Inter president Erick Thohir stated Zanetti would become “part of the management” next season and the five-time Serie A winner on Tuesday confirmed his decision to retire and take up the role of sporting manager at San Siro. Zanetti has been unable to fully recover from an Achilles injury and has now opted to call time on his career. Zanetti posited that he feels this is the right time for him to retire. The former Argentina International is relishing the opportunity to remain at Inter in a new capacity.

Zanetti won the UEFA Champions League as well as five Serie A winners’ medals, and the Coppa Italia four times during his playing days at Inter.