Former Inter Milan captain Samir Handanovic has decided to retire from football.

This according to Italian news outlet Il Giornale, via FCInterNews, who report that the 38-year-old has made the decision to hang up his gloves, and will switch to a role behind the scenes with the Nerazzurri.

This summer, Handanovic left Inter after eleven seasons with the club.

Handanovic joined Inter from Udinese in the summer of 2012.

Having already built up a strong reputation for himself in Serie A across his six seasons with the Friulani, the Slovenian arrived as the long-term successor for Julio Cesar between the posts.

As it turns out, Handanovic would indeed inherit the mantle from Cesar, staying first-choice keeper for a decade.

The 38-year-old has a lasting legacy with the Nerazzurri.

Across his eleven seasons in an Inter shirt, Handanovic made a total of 455 appearances for the club.

In February of 2019, Handanovic became Inter’s club captain. The veteran goalkeeper took the armband from striker Mauro Icardi.

Handanovic was Inter’s club captain ever since then, and departed having held the role until the end of his time at the club.

Ex Inter Milan Captain Samir Handanovic Hangs Up His Gloves – Switching To Behind-The-Scenes Role

Handanovic did not retire from football right away after leaving Inter at the end of his contract.

Reportedly, the Slovenian was considering his options. He assessed offers that came in for him, available on a free transfer.

But according to Il Giornale, none of the proposals that did arrive convinced Handanovic.

The veteran keeper has decided that rather than continuing in football, it’s time for his playing career to reach its end.

This does not mean, however, that Handanovic won’t continue to have a place in football.

Now, Il Giornale report that the 38-year-old is preparing to transition to a behind-the-scenes role. This will be at Inter.

It’s not clear yet what the exact role will be for the Slovenian, however.

Handanovic leaves Inter as the goalkeeper to have made the most appearances in the club’s history.

He is also the player with the tenth most appearances for the Nerazzurri overall.

Handanovic also saved 32 penalties out of the 92 he faced. This is a record in Serie A.