RIO DE JANEIRO, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil international striker Leandro Damiao announced his retirement from football on Friday after a professional career spanning 18 years.

The 35-year-old, who was capped 17 times for Brazil's national team, had been without a club since parting ways with Brazilian Serie B outfit Coritiba last July.

"The time has come to hang up my boots," Damiao said in a social media post. "I'm thankful to football for everything it has given me. I was a boy from the outskirts of the city who didn't think he would make it. Thank you to everyone who was there for me."

Damiao started out as a midfielder before evolving into a center-forward known for his dribbling ability and aerial strength.

His career included spells at Internacional, Santos, Cruzeiro, Real Betis, Flamengo and Kawasaki Frontale, among other clubs. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)