Ignazio Barbagallo playing for Viagrande in the Sicilian League, 55-year-old Italian player on Thursday evening, April 4, announced his retirement from football by stagging his own kidnap to say farewell to fans and teammates.

A game was going on, and suddenly, a helicopter landed on the pitch and three blokes, two of which were wearing balaclavas jumped off which caused many fears and tension. Barbagallo then held his hands up in surrender as two men in balaclavas hauled him off and into the helicopter which soared off straight away.

And it was after the player got into the air that his other teammates and fans knew that the kidnap was planned as a sign of retirement from football.

But the football authorities were livid with such action and however banned Barbagallo with his club receiving a €200 fine and had a suspension from competition until May 31

SOURCE: https://www.tuko.co.ke