Carlos retires from Brazil

Roberto Carlos has formally announced his retirement from international football.

The Real Madrid left back had stated that he would not appear again for the five-time world champions shortly after the South American giants went out of this summer's World Cup finals to France.

With the defender not involved in Brazil's recent friendlies against Norway, Argentina and Wales, the 33-year-old has decided to confirm the end of his international career.

Carlos claims he made the decision before the World Cup and that he was not influenced by the criticism he received following Brazil's exit from Germany 2006.

"I make the announcement now of my retirement from the national team, but I had decided this before playing the World Cup finals in Germany," he said.

"Even if we would have won the competition, I had already made the decision of not playing anymore for Brazil.

"I think that the criticism that I received in Brazil was not fair, but they didn't make me decide to quit my international duty, it was a decision that I already made.

"I have been associated for 15 years with the Brazilian national team. I have only lost 16 games and have won the World Cup.

"I feel really happy for all what I went through with the national team.

"Now I am having some rest and only thinking of Real Madrid. My family suffered a lot after the World Cup.

"I haven't sent any written announcement regarding my retirement from the national team. In Brazil, that isn't necessary.

"I prefer to talk and not to write. For the moment, the CBF hasn't asked me for anything. I prefer people to trust in my word.

"And I am not going to change my mind, I will not give a U-turn. The national team now has Marcelo and Gilberto - two excellent players."

During his time with Brazil, Carlos earned 132 caps and scored 11 goals, while featuring in three World Cup finals.