Roberto Carlos confirms international retirement.

Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos has confirmed his retirement from international football.

"With me, a return is not possible," the 33-year-old told a press conference.

"Brazil can now count on the likes of Marcelo (Fluminense) and Gilberto (Hertha Berlin) and they are both very good players.

"Now, the days off are precious to me."

Roberto Carlos started each of Brazil's World Cup matches in Germany, but he faced criticism for his failure to mark Thierry Henry in the move that led to the goal in the 1-0 quarter-final defeat to France.

However the veteran defender said the criticism had been unjust.

"I've played for Brazil for 15 years, we've lost 16 games and I've been world champion," said the Brazilian.

"Now I just want to concentrate on Real Madrid. My family's been missing me a lot since the World Cup."