Roberto Carlos set to retire
Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos has announced his intention to retire at the end of 2012.
Carlos, 38, won 125 caps for Brazil throughout a stellar career spent mostly with Real Madrid but says that, though he wishes to continue as a coach at Anzhi Makhachkala, he's ready to stop playing.
"My contract with Anzhi finishes in June 2013 but in December I have the chance to stop playing," he said. "After that I will continue as an assistant to the president Suleiman Kerimov because with him I have a contract for life.
"It is the moment to hang up my boots. I see my sporting career as complete. I've experienced everything as a player. Now I want to rest and spend a little more time with my family."
"He has asked me to help create a structure for the club for the next 10 years."
Carlos joined Real from Inter Milan in 1996 and remained at the Bernabeu until 2007 but, despite having a reputation for being an impressive athlete, says it is time for him to give his body a rest.
"It is the moment to hang up my boots," he added. "I have played football for many years and I don't think my body can stand so much physical work, the travelling, the hotels any more.
"I have been a professional for more than 17 years, but have been playing for 22. This is my last year.
"I'm not stopping because I am injured, but because I see my sporting career as complete. I've played for Palmeiras, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
"I've experienced everything as a player. Now I want to rest and spend a little more time with my family."
Carlos' international career spanned 14 years. He was part of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning squad and, at his peak, was widely thought of as the world's best left-back.
