JUL 2nd: Portugal international midfielder Paulo Sousa has announced his retirement from football.

Sousa, who turns 32 in August, has been plagued by knee injuries in recent years and cited those problems, and the criticism of the Portuguese national team after their disappointing World Cup as his reasons for calling time on his career at a press conference in Lisbon.

Sousa won two European Cups with Juventus (1996) and Borussia Dortmund (1997).

After starting last season with Greek giants Panathinaikos Sousa moved to Spanish club Espanyol mid-way through the campaign.

He said: "I am frustrated with the injuries and with everything that was said about the national team." - PA