Former Bayern Munich striker Giovane Elber has announced his retirement from football.
Former Bayern Munich striker Giovane Elber has announced his retirement from football.
Elber has been playing in his native Brazil for Cruzeiro and is still under contract with the club.
But the 34-year-old has decided that the time is right to quit professional football and he offered his gratitude after bringing an end to his career.
"I think that this is the right moment for saying enough," said Elber.
"I am very thankful for all that football gave to my life.
"I am sure that football gave much more to me than what I gave to football, but I have decided to hang up my boots."
The predatory forward originally made his name in Europe with Stuttgart before enjoying huge success with Bayern.
He won four Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League prior to a spell at French giants Lyon.
Elber won another title with Lyon before suffering a serious injury and he eventually returned to Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Brazilian returned to his homeland at the start of 2006 to join Cruzeiro, but has now retired from playing.
