Experienced Benfica and Portugal midfielder Armando Petit announced this week that following the European Championship this summer he plans to retire from international football. The 31-year old has suffered from numerous injuries in recent seasons and this is perhaps one of the reasons behind his decision.

Petit said at a press conference this week that "We have players with a great future ahead of them in the Portugal midfield, so I think it's time ... this will probably be my last European Championship and my last matches for my country."

 

Preferred as a defensive holding player, Petit has been an integral part of the Portuguese midfield since he made his debut against the Republic of Ireland in 2001. He featured in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and helped Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 before they narrowly lost to Greece.

Petit currently has 53 caps for Portugal and will be looking to go out on a high in Euro 2008.