The Milan stopper hasn’t featured in the Azzurri’s recent qualifiers and it has now been confirmed that the 31-year-old has played his last game for Italy.

“I’ve always been so attached to the national jersey and playing for my country has been the best thing in my career,” he stated at a Press conference at Milanello.

“I’m very sorry, but I can’t keep playing in all these games. If I want to keep myself at the top level I need to rest a bit."

Although the decision has only been announced today, it appears that Nesta had been preparing his exit for months.

“I missed a national game when I got married which I only allowed to happen because I knew my Azzurri adventure was over,” he admitted.

“Perhaps I could have gone on longer, but my greatest regret is the last World Cup as it wasn’t easy to watch my teammates triumph while I was sidelined with an injury.”

Nesta made his Italy debut in a 3-1 win over Moldova on October 5, 1996 and won 78 caps without ever finding the net.