Legendary Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has officially announced his retirement from football, ending speculation that he could’ve signed for Rangers.
Reports from Italy this week had suggested that Marchisio was set to make the announcement [Gazzetta Dello Sport] despite interest from several clubs, including Rangers.
The statement from the former Italy midfielder will put to bed any extravagant speculation that Rangers might be interested in signing the player.
Rangers were first linked to the former Juventus midfielder at the beginning of September during the last international break.
Reports from Italy [Matteo Pedrosi] and France [RMC Sport] had suggested Rangers were battling French side Monaco and Brazilian outfit Flamengo for Marchisio’s signature.
But after Steven Gerrard appeared to deny any move for the player [Daily Record], speculation surrounding Marchisio appeared to die down.
Released by Zenit St. Petersburg in the summer, the latter stages of Marchisio’s career have been dominated by injury.
Now, at the age of 33, the iconic Juventus number eight is set to hang up his boots for good.
Marchisio played for Juventus for 13 seasons, winning 14 trophies for the Old Lady in the process.
Rangers also have a wealth of solid options in midfield ranging from the on-form presence of both Steven Davis and Ryan Jack to talented Nigeria international Joe Aribo and Leicester City loanee Andy King.
