Saracens' Nieto to retire

LONDON (AFP) –

Carlos Nieto poses on February 25, 2006 prior to a match in Paris. Saracens and Italy prop Nieto announced Thursday he will retire at the end of the season.

Saracens and Italy prop Carlos Nieto announced Thursday he will retire at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old Argentina-born front-row, capped 34 times by Italy, has yet to decide upon his future plans but has promised his impending retirement will mean no lack of effort as Saracens go in search of a second Premiership title in three seasons.

“I’m really excited for the rest of the season, and to be honest I don’t feel like I’m retiring yet, it hasn’t crossed my mind,” said Nieto.

“I’m only thinking about preparing for the next few games which will hopefully bring the club more success. I’m still getting nervous every week, and I’m still looking to achieve and improve on the training pitch and in the gym.

“I still look forward to every game as if I was beginning my professional career when I was 22-years-old. It’s close to the end of my career and I’ve been extremely lucky that at the end of my time here in English rugby, that I have been able to play for the best team in England.

“I have been fortunate to win the Premiership in my time here, and we are in the great position at the moment to finish my career winning another title.”