Barzagli leaves Juve for family reasons

Former player Andrea Barzagli, eight times Italian champion with Juventus, left his role as a collaborator of coach Maurizio Sarri on Thursday for family reasons, he said in a note on social media.

"I have made a decision for my life. It was a decision made from the heart. I felt the need to live more with my family, which, in a silent way, has accompanied me and supported my professional decisions. I decided to privilege one family over another, Juventus, to which I will always be grateful," Barzagli wrote on Instagram.

"My thoughts are with those who showed me their appreciation and closeness. The president (Andrea Agnelli), the coach (Maurizio Sarri), Fabio (Paratici, sports director) and Pavel (Nedved, vice-president). People who contributed to my growth and who walked by my side," he continued.

"There aren't enough thank-yous. The colleagues, the fans, the professionals who work every day to make Juventus what it is. I'll sum it all up with a huge 'thank you' to Juventus," he concluded.

Barzagli, a 2006 world champion with Italy, retired from football last summer after winning his eighth Italian championship and joined the coaching staff of Maurizio Sarri.