Carlos announces international retirement

Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos has announced his international retirement.

Two days after Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup in a 1-0 defeat by France, the Real Madrid defender told reporters in Spain that he had played his last game for his country.

“I’ve stopped with the national team,” he said. “It was my last game.”

Although 33, Roberto Carlos had previously said he intended to play on for his country for several more seasons.

He joins Juninho Pernambucano in retiring, with the Lyon midfielder having made his announcement yesterday, and like Juninho, he suggested that the other over-30s in the current squad should step down for the younger generation.

Roberto Carlos has been a mainstay in the national side since making his debut 12 years ago, earning a total of 132 caps and scoring 10 goals.

He has amassed a glittering medal collection with the national team, winning the 2002 World Cup, the Copa America in 1997 and 1999, the Confederations Cup in 1997, and a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics.