Berbatov quits international football

Bulgaria's captain and record goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov has announced his retirement from international football aged 29.

The Manchester United FC forward made the surprise announcement at a press conference in Sofia today. "I've thought a lot about this decision," he said. "I've been playing for the national team for 11 years. There are a lot of small and big reasons for my decision. I feel tired and have had some injury problems recently. Deep inside of me I think I had to say stop."

Berbatov earned his first cap in a 1999 friendly against Greece and went on to score 48 times in 78 international appearances, although he failed to find the net at UEFA EURO 2004 after starring in qualifying.

Bulgaria are next in competitive action in qualifying for the 2012 finals, and will face England, Switzerland, Wales and Montenegro in Group G.