Brazil's World Cup-winning full-back Roberto Carlos has announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of 2012.
Former Brazil defender hanging up his boots at the end of the year
Brazil's World Cup-winning full-back Roberto Carlos has announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of 2012.
The 38-year-old spent the majority of his career with Spanish giants Real Madrid following his transfer from Inter Milan in 1996.
Roberto Carlos was a member of the 2002 World Cup-winning squad and went on to make 125 appearances for Brazil over a 14-year period.
The left-back, who will always be remembered for his curling free kick against France in 1997, has spent the last year with Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala but will stop playing at the end of the year although he plans to remain involved at the club.
Contract for life
"My contract with Anzhi finishes in June 2013 but in December I have the chance to stop playing," he said.
"After that I will continue as an assistant to the president Suleiman Kerimov because with him I have a contract for life.
"He has asked me to help create a structure for the club for the next 10 years."
Having played 763 professional matches with seven clubs and Brazil and amassing 95 goals from defence, Carlos made the decision to retire from action to allow his body to rest.
Professional
"It is the moment to hang up my boots," he added. "I have played football for many years and I don't think my body can stand so much physical work, the travelling, the hotels any more.
"I have been a professional for more than 17 years, but have been playing for 22. This is my last year.
"I'm not stopping because I am injured, but because I see my sporting career as complete. I've played for Palmeiras, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
"I've experienced everything as a player. Now I want to rest and spend a little more time with my family."
