Former Barça and Espanyol man Simao Sabrosa set to retire from football

Simao Sabrosa has been without a side for 10 months and has admitted that his time as a football player may have come to an end. 

The former Barcelona and Espanyol player, who also played in Portugal and Turkey, said on Monday that it's going to be difficult to find another club now. 

"I had a great career," he stated. "I got to where I did because of hard work. If it's over, it's over. If not, I am up for continuing, but I know that will be very difficult." 

Now 35, Simao said that his age in football is "old" and even though he feels able to continue, "there is no interest". 

He denied reports he is set to sign for Belenenses, who are currently sixth in the Portuguese league, even though he would like to continue playing. 

"I want continue with my passion, which is football" Simao continued. 

"I always thought that being a manager was not part of my future. I'm looking at all the possibilities." 

Simao Sabroasa (1979) began his career with Sporting in Lisbon, where he played for three years in the first team before signing for Barcelona in 1999. 

In 2001 he returned to Portugal, signing for Benfica where he stayed for six seasons. 

Then he came back to Spain, playing for Atletico Madrid between 2007 and 2010, then for Besiktas between 2010 and 2012, before joining Espanyol in 2012. 

He was capped by Portugal 85 times and scored 22 goals.