MILAN (AP) — Former Milan defender Kakha Kaladze says he will retire from football to start a career in politics in his homeland.
The 34-year-old Kaladze, who is from Georgia, says venturing into politics after a 19-year career in football will be "the most important game of my life, for freedom and democracy in my country."
Kaladze currently plays for Genoa and also had spells at Dynamo Tbilisi and Dynamo Kyiv.
He was Georgia captain and had 84 appearances before his international retirement in December. He was named Georgian Footballer of the Year five times.
Kaladze won eight titles in nine seasons with Milan, including the Serie A title and two Champions League trophies. He also won the Georgian league five times and the Ukrainian championship three times.
