Roberto Carlos announces retirement from professional football

Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos has announced his retirement from international football, effective immediately.

The Anzhi Makhachkala player reportedly had plans to hang up his boots at the end of the current Russian season, which is only two fixtures old, but according to Goal.com he has decided to retire immediately.

"I have had talks to play a farewell match between Real Madrid and Anzhi," EFE quotes Roberto Carlos as saying.

Roberto Carlos scored 11 goals in 125 caps for Brazil throughout his 20-year career.