Date: March 11th 2010
Author: Dejan Kalinic
From: Four Four Two Australia

HARDMAN Danny Tiatto has quashed rumours he will sign for new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart by confirming his retirement from professional football.

The 36-year-old signed for a two-game stint with his former club Melbourne Knights in the Victorian Premier League, fuelling rumours he would be signed by Melbourne Heart.

But speaking on Melbourne radio last night, Tiatto said he was at the end of his professional career.

"I'm definitely hanging up the boots. There won't be too much football left in me," Tiatto said.

He denied the Heart had offered him a contract.

"There is no offer," he told The Four Diegos on SEN.

The hard midfielder was part of a cleanout of veterans at Brisbane Roar after Ange Postecoglou replaced Frank Farina as coach.

He said he had made it clear during the season this was going to be his last.
"I basically said once I say it's time to retire, I'll hang the boots up and go on my way," Tiatto said. "There was interest from other clubs interstate."

It brings to end a successful career featuring 23 caps for the Socceroos.

Renowned for his aggression, Tiatto moved to the Italian Serie B after an impressive stint at Knights Stadium in the mid-90s.

Although he could not secure a permanent move to Salernitana, a loan spell at Stoke City proved to be the most fruitful of his career.

Soon after, he was signed by Manchester City, gaining promotion and relegation with the club.

The left winger or central midfielder became known for his fearless tackles, at times costing himself lengthy spells on the sidelines.

He moved to Leicester City and became the captain of the club in his final season there, before joining Brisbane in 2007.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/124257,tiatto-its-all-over-now.aspx