Diego Milito announces end to playing career

Diego Milito says he is about to enter the final six
months of his playing career:- Getty Images.

Former Argentina international Diego Milito has announced he
will retire from professional football at the end of the 2016 Copa
Libertadores.

Milito, who plays for the Buenos Aires-based Racing Club, was
set to hang up his boots at the end of the current Argentine
Primera Division campaign.

However, Milito decided to play on for another six months after
Racing defeated Independiente in the play-offs to book a spot in
next year's Libertadores.

"I am happy to say I will play another six months at the club,"
the 36-year-old said. "I will stay to play the Libertadores.

"It was not easy to stop playing football, something I have been
doing my whole life.

"We are in a moment to enjoy, a historic moment and one in a
positive way. I think I can continue to contribute to this great
group we have formed and enjoy another Libertadores.

"In June 2016 I'm going to retire, no matter what. This is my
last six months as a professional player."

Milito spoke about the injuries that have plagued him for the
past 12 months.

"I could not do the pre-season," the former Inter striker said.
"I had pain in my knee and I said I'd rather not find out what it
was.

"There were two paths; have surgery or not continue. But the
support of so many people meant bit by bit it gets better."