AS Roma Captain Francesco Totti has announced on Friday his retirement from international football to focus on his club career. "The word 'end' is an ugly word," Totti said in a press conference on Friday. "But I have taken this decision to end my chapter with the national team for physical reasons." The 30-year-old striker has not played for his country since the World Cup triumph in Germany last summer.
He had been struggling with injuries since last year World Cup and has been absent for most of Italy's campaign in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. "I have pondered this decision for a year," Totti said. "But I have decided to conclude my experience with Italy in order not to create any problems within the group or the coaching staff. I am sad but health is the most important thing." The Roma number 10 finished as Serie A's top scorer last season with 26 goals, an achievement that earned him the European Golden Boot - the award given to the top scorer in all the European leagues.