Nedved rejects return rumours

The brilliant Czech midfielder announced at the end of last season that he felt the time was right to hang up his boots, having started out in the professional game 18 years ago.

In that time Nedved, 37, has proved himself to be one of Europe's finest midfielders and despite his advanced years, there were plenty of clubs eager to speak to him over the summer.

Juventus were reportedly ready to offer him a pay-as-you-play deal to prolong his stay in Turin, with champions Inter Milan also rumoured to be readying an offer.

In a bid to clarify his position and quell any talk of a U-turn over his retirement plans, Nedved has issued a statement via his agent Mino Raiola.

"I am not to continue to play football anymore," Gazzetta.it quote him as saying.

Nedved began his career at Dukla Prague before successful spells at Sparta Prague, Lazio and Juventus.