Topics: Superliga Argentina, Boca Juniors, Daniele de Rossi, Roma
The 2006 World Cup winner with the Squadra Azzurra was unable to show his best form with Los Xeneizes, which led to an abrupt retirement.

Roma legend and former Italy international Daniele de Rossi has officially announced his retirement from football.

The midfielder sparked rumors about his decision in Monday's early hours after storming out of Boca Juniors' training complex. Immediately, gossip started surrounding the player's decision, citing a health problem from one of his closest relatives.

In order to end all controversy, De Rossi held a press conference where he listed the reasons for calling it quits.

"I want to clarify that there is no problem whatsoever in my family. There are no health problems or something like that. I need to be close to my daughter and my family, she misses me and I miss her, nothing more. It's just a decision I've reached after consulting with my close ones," De Rossi said.

The former Roma ace leaves Boca Juniors just six months after his arrival, which makes him feel a bit sad about his legacy with Los Xeneizes.

"It makes me sad because I wanted to extend this stage of my career, but if I left in June I'd feel the same way. It would have been even harder to leave this country and this beautiful training facility. I never thought I'd be able to love a team as much as I love Roma," De Rossi added.

The Italian player shared his immediate plans, which include studying to become a coach as soon as possible.

"I have to see how my post-football life evolves, but my path is pretty clear: I want to become a coach. I want to study and learn things from that world. I will take some time off and then I will enjoy life, but always close to football," De Rossi said.

The former Roma ace played seven games for Boca Juniors. Three of those ended in wins, with three more concluding in a draw. His last professional game ended in a 1-0 loss against Rosario Central.

Here's a statistical recap of the player's illustrious career.