Former Swansea and Brighton midfielder Andrea Orlandi has been forced to retire due to heart disease.
The problem was discovered during a recent medical with Italian Serie C club Virtus Entella.
Orlandi, who operated as an attacking midfielder, mostly featured in the second tier of English football with Swansea, Brighton and Blackpool.
The 34-year-old said in a statement: “Sadly it is not safe for me to play on and I was devastated when the doctor broke the news.
“However, I am coming to terms with it quite quickly and am so thankful to all the medical staff who have helped me.
“I could have had an operation to try and carry on playing, but at 34 it would have been risky and stupid to do so. I have to think about my future more than football now.
“The truth is I could have died during my career, so I must look at the bright side that I am still here with my wife and kids and that I enjoyed many years playing the game I love.
“It is still very early so I have not planned my next step yet. For now, I will enjoy some time with my wonderful family.”
Orlandi started his career with Alaves in 2003 and played for Barcelona B before moving to Swansea.
He helped the Swans first into the Championship before helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 during a five-year spell.
The Spaniard went on to represent Brighton, Cypriot clubs Anorthosis Famagusta and Apoel Nicosia and Italian outfit Novara Calcio.
He made nine appearances for Indian side Chennaiyin last season before calling time on his career at Virtus Entella.