Ferrara to play on
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Article summary
Ciro Ferrara, 37, has signed a one-year deal to remain at Juventus FC until 2005, delaying thoughts of retirement.
Article body
Physically fine
The 37-year-old was expected to hang up his boots at the end of the season, but has opted for another 12 months at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Speaking on the day another Italian veteran, Paolo Maldini, moved to prolong his career, Ferrara said: "Players like [Amedeo] Carboni and [Alessando] Costacurta are still playing, so why should I stop? Physically I'm fine and am looking forward to another season."
Seven titles
Born in 1967, the central defender made his debut for SSC Napoli in May 1985 and claimed two Scudettos and the UEFA Cup over nine seasons at the San Paolo stadium. The silverware continued to flow following a switch to Juve, Ferrara winning five more Serie A titles and, in 1996, the UEFA Champions League when the Bianconeri defeated AFC Ajax in Rome.
'Lot to give'
He won 49 caps for Italy in an international career spanning 13 years - from a debut against Argentina in 1987 to UEFA EURO 2000™, where he claimed a silver medal. "Playing football is what I enjoy most and I know I still have a lot to give to this team, not only as a man inside the dressing-room but also as a player on the pitch," said Ferrara.