The former Italy striker has hung up his boots on the day Roma began pre-season training.

"When taking this decision I considered that you have to have the strength to retire when it still saddens some people," Montella told asromanews.it.

"It is a strange feeling but it's a decision that I took having thought about it long and hard.

"There are times in life when you have to make decisions and I have made mine."

During his 16-year career, Montella played for Empoli, Genoa, Sampdoria, Roma and Fulham before returning to the Giallorossi last summer.

A pivotal member of the Roma side that captured the Serie A title under Fabio Capello in 2000-01, Montella only made 12 league appearances last season.

The striker played for Italy 20 times and scored three goals. He played for the Azzurri at Euro 2000 when they lost in the final to France and also represented the Italians at the 2002 World Cup. Montella will remain at the club and coach one of Roma's youth teams.

"The club gave me some options," said Montella.

"I immediately liked the option of coaching. This is a new adventure for me.

"I'm happy to remain at Roma because it has become my home.

"Playing and coaching are two different things but as I have told my new colleagues, I feel inferior to them because they have that coaching experience."