Former Man City cult hero announces career change seven years after leaving the Etihad

Former Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov has agreed to become Serbia Under 21 manager. 

Kolarov, 38, has signed a two-year contract with the Serbian Football Association, with the main aim of qualifying for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. 

Serbia’s U-21 team fell short of qualifying for the 2025 Euros, finishing third in their group behind England and Ukraine.

The role is his first in coaching since hanging up his boots in 2022. The two-time Premier League winner ended his career at Inter Milan, where he won the Serie A title a year prior. 

His residence in Italy provided the perfect opportunity to begin obtaining his coaching qualifications at the world renowned Coverciano – home of the Italian Football Federation.

The 38-year-old claimed two Premier League titles during seven seasons in the top-flight at the Etihad

‘I always knew that sooner or later this day would come and despite that, I am grateful to have managed to realise what has always been my dream,’ he said in a statement announcing his retirement. 

Now I am already moving towards my “second life” in the world of football and for this reason, as soon as the notices will be published, I will enrol in the qualification courses, first as a scout and then as a sports director, at the Centro Tecnico Federale in Coverciano.’

Kolarov joined City from Lazio on a £16million deal in 2010 and was a fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium.

City’s acquisition of Gael Clichy in 2011 meant Kolarov’s first-team opportunities were minimised but the Serbian continued to play his part as City claimed their first top-flight title in 44 years.

Kolarov made a total of 246 appearances for City before returning to Serie A with Roma in 2017.

The dead ball specialist clocked up 132 appearances for Roma before moving to his final club Inter, in September 2020. Kolarov’s career began at Cukaricki in his native Serbia before moving to OFK Beograd ahead of his switch to Lazio.

He was capped by Serbia 94 times, scoring 11 times and represented his country at both the 2010 and 2018 World Cup.