BUENOS AIRES, Jul 10 (SW) - The Argentinian Matias Almeyda has ended his career, despite almost signing for River Plate. The player claims to be tired of football in general.

Almeyda initially thought that a move to River would give him new inspiration: "I decided to hang up my boots because I am tired of football, and as I like River, I decided to retire because I don't want to keep on complaining and being uncomfortable.

"I prefer not to play anymore. I thought it was a good idea to return to River and end my career with them, but I still kept on doubting what to do. I spoke with vice president Mario Israel, and everything was okay. He understood my decision and now they will start looking for another player."

The 31-year-old midfielder started his European career at Lazio Roma in 1997, and moved to Parma three years later. In the summer of 2002, he moved to what turns out to have been his last club, Internazionale.