Brazil defender Roberto Carlos has announced he is retiring from international football, after his country suffered a surprise loss to France in its quarterfinal match at the World Cup in Germany.
In an announcement on his official Web site, the 33-year-old Roberto Carlos said his playing days for the national side are over.
He thanked the players and fans who have supported him, and he said he hopes to hand off his number-six jersey to someone else who can continue to win for Brazil.
Roberto Carlos won 125 caps for Brazil after starting his international career against the United States in February of 1992.
Best-known for his speed and the power of his shots, Roberto Carlos played with Palmeiras in Brazil before moving to Inter Milan in Italy in 1995.
But he soon left to join Spanish club Real Madrid, where he has been an integral part of the team’s three Spanish championships and three European Champions League titles.
VoA