Former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos retires

Rio de Janeiro: Former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos has announced his retirement from football.

The 39-year-old will assume an ambassador's role for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, where he played the last of his 22 professional seasons, reports Xinhua.

"Roberto was a world class player and it's sad that we're not going to see him play again," Anzhi coach Guus Hiddink said on Wednesday. "Thankfully Roberto has agreed to take on a role with the club to help develop football in the region and throughout Russia."

Carlos was a member of the Brazil\' s 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cup squads.

Carlos, a member of Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning squad, revealed Anzhi was planning a testimonial match against Real Madrid, the club he represented 370 times between 1996 and 2007.

"We have sat down with (Real president) Florentino Perez and discussed the possibility of a match," Carlos said. "We need to establish a date that suits both clubs. I'd like it to be played here in Russia."

Carlos played 125 games for Brazil and was a member of the team' s 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cup squads.

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