Italy's Totti retires from international football

ROME: Italy's Francesco Totti announced his retirement from international football on Friday.

The 30-year-old Roma striker, who had not represented the Azzurri since they won the World Cup last July after taking a sabbatical from international duty, finally called it quits due to the physical demands of playing so many matches.

"My main problem is physical," he told a news conference at Roma's Trigoria training ground.

"I came to the conclusion that I cannot play in so many matches in a year. I had to give up something and unfortunately it's the national team because I can't give up Roma. They are my priority."

Last September Totti, the Roma captain who was top scorer in Serie A last season with 26 goals, announced he was ready to return to the international set-up but only for important matches.

But his offer to play part-time for his country did not go down well with Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, who took charge of the national team after the World Cup, and several of his fellow internationals.

Totti said it was better to quit altogether rather than create animosity within the national team.

"I didn't want to create problems with the group and the staff. I'm sorry, but my health is the most important thing," he added.

Totti, who made his Italy debut in October 1998, broke his left ankle in February 2006 but managed to recover in time for the World Cup.

The talismanic Roman struggled for fitness in the early matches and was heavily criticised by the Italian media for his lacklustre performances.