Wanchope to retire from Ticos

Costa Rica striker Paulo Wanchope will retire from international football after the World Cup.

The 29-year-old is the country's all-time leading goalscorer, with 43 goals in 67 internationals, but has decided to call it a day on the international front after the tournament in Germany.

The Ticos man, who is remembered fondly in England for spells at Derby County, West Ham United and Manchester City, is quitting at a relatively early age in order to prolong his playing career.

"Yes I'll quit," he told EFE News.

"I'm happy with what I've contributed to the squad and it's nice to be able to decide in this way."

Wanchope, who is looking to move back to Europe following a spell at Costa Rican team Herediano, will spearhead the attack for Alexandre Guimaraes' side for the last time, in the summer.

The Central Americans are in Group A with Ecuador, Poland and Germany, kicking off their first game, against the hosts on June 9.