Luca Toni to Retire After 2015-16 Season: Latest Comments and Reaction

Verona striker Luca Toni has announced that he will retire at the end of the current Serie A season, which ends just before he turns 39 years old in May.

Verona currently sit rock bottom of Serie A, and the Italian 2006 World Cup winner announced his decision after their latest 1-0 defeat to Empoli on Sunday, per Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia).

"I think the time has come to stop," he said. "I hope to celebrate it by keeping Verona safe in Serie A."

Toni has played at 15 different clubs during his 22-year career—including Palermo, Fiorentina and Juventus—and was a Bundesliga champion in 2008 with Bayern Munich.

Per Football Italia, he was the joint top scorer in Serie A last term with Mauro Icardi, as he netted 22 goals in 38 appearances, the second time he had won the award after his 2005-06 season with Fiorentina.

Squawka provided a full overview of his career in numbers:

Undoubtedly the high point was winning the 2006 World Cup final on penalties with Italy against France in Berlin.

He has been remarkable in his longevity and has made the most of a terrific vein of form late in his career.

Toni will struggle to help Verona out of their current predicament as they are nine points clear of safety, but will retire with his reputation firmly intact even if they get relegated.