BEIJING, July 5 -- Brazil's left-back Roberto Carlos has announced his international retirement.

    Two days after Brazil was knocked out of the World Cup in a 1-0 defeat by France, the Real Madrid defender said Monday that he had played his last game for his country.

    Although 33, Roberto Carlos had previously said he intended to play on for his country for several more seasons.

    He joins Juninho Pernambucano in retiring, with the Lyon midfielder having made his announcement Sunday, and like Juninho, he suggested that the other over-30s in the current squad should step down for the younger generation.

    Roberto Carlos has been a mainstay in the national side since making his debut 12 years ago, earning a total of 132 caps and scoring 10 goals.

    (Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)