BBC SPORT | CHELSEA | Di Matteo forced to quit

Chelsea midfielder Roberto di Matteo has been forced to retire at the age of 31 because of injury.

The former Italian international has lost his 18-month battle against the triple leg fracture he suffered against Swiss club St Gallen in September 2000.

Di Matteo joined Chelsea for a then club record �4.9m from Lazio in July 1996.

Not only was he an outstanding player for Chelsea but he is a genuine nice guy

Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson

He achieved a special place in the club's history by scoring Wembley's fastest goal after just 43 seconds of the 1997 FA Cup final win over Middlesbrough.

And he also netted the winner against Aston Villa at Wembley when Chelsea won the FA Cup again in 2000.

"I have worked hard to try and get back but unfortunately I am still experiencing problems and I have had to face up to the sad decision that my playing days are over," said Di Matteo.

It is the second retirement blow to hit the club in recent years after Italian striker Pierluigi Casiraghi was forced to quit the game with a serious knee injury.

Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson revealed that Di Matteo had been through several operations in a bid to save his career.

Roberto Di Matteo lies on the turf after breaking his leg against St Gallen
Di Matteo had several operations on his leg
"This is devastating news and we feel for Roberto," Hutchinson said.

"He has worked long and hard to try and get back playing.

"He has endured a series of painful operations and slogged away on the training ground but cruelly the injury has beaten him.

"Not only was he an outstanding player for Chelsea but he is a genuine nice guy.

"He will rightly have a place in Chelsea's history and we wish him and his family well for the future.

"He will always be welcome at Chelsea. He is very much part of the club family."


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