Ex-Argentina captain Simeone calls time on career (19 Feb 2006 05:56 GMT)
Former Argentina captain Diego Simeone ended his 19-year playing career after his side Racing Club fell to defeat at Estudiantes on Friday night in Clausura action.
The 35-year-old midfielder is Argentina's all-time most-capped player with 106 international appearances and he made a name for himself in his lengthy club career in Europe as well as playing in three World Cups.
Simeone, who will now take over the reigns as Racing Club manager, played for Sevilla and Atlético Madrid in Spain and with Inter Milan and Lazio in Italy before returning to play for Racing Club in 2005.
Simeone was part of the Inter Milan side that won the 1997/98 UEFA Cup and he also won league titles with Atlético in 1995/96 and with Lazio in 1999/2000.
He had plans to end his career at the end of the current Clausura tournament, but after Racing manager Fernando Quiroz resigned a fortnight ago, he was encouraged to take over the club sooner than expected.
source : Soccerway