Football: Argentine midfielder Gago hangs up his boots

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Argentine midfielder Fernando Gago announced on Wednesday his retirement from football amid a string of injuries.

"I want to tell you that I have made the decision to end my career as a professional footballer," the 34-year-old said in a statement on Instagram. "After 15 years I choose this path with complete peace of mind and satisfaction."

Besides knee injury and thigh muscle strain, he seriously damaged his Achilles tendon three times.

Gago said acknowledged the "difficult moments," saying "repeated injuries affected me during these last years."

He thanked his fans, as well as players, staffers and managers he worked with during these years.

Gago also played for Argentina's Boca Juniors, Italy's Roma, and Spain's Real Madrid.

He helped The Whites win two Spanish La Liga titles, and represented Argentina at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

He made 61 appearances for his nation.