Friday 9 May, 2008

Fiorentina veteran Christian Vieri is adamant that he won’t be retiring this summer, despite recent media criticism.

The former Inter marksman looked sluggish in the Viola’s UEFA Cup semi-final against Rangers and missed some gilt-edged chances.

Vieri rounded off a dismal performance by blazing his penalty kick over the bar in the shootout and sustained an injury in the process.

“I am feeling good and am recovering,” Vieri insisted on Sky Sport Italia.

“On Friday I will have treatment on my thigh and I will continue my recuperation from there.

“How long to intend to continue playing for? For as long as my body allows. I have a lot of hunger and you can see that I am in good shape.

“When you are 34-years-old and still training every day without pills or anti-inflammatories then you must be doing something right.

"I have had two knee operations and I am holding up well,” he concluded.

It is widely believed that Vieri won’t feature in Coach Cesare Prandelli’s plans for next year and may need to find new employers this summer.