Greece duo announce retirements

Greece duo announce retirements

Published Jun. 23, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Nikos Liberopoulos and Kostas Chalkias have announced their retirement from international football following Greece's elimination at Euro 2012.

Liberopoulos won his 76th cap during Friday's 4-2 quarter-final defeat to Germany.

He made his international debut in 1996 and was a regular in Greece's plans from that point on.

The 36-year-old was left out of their victorious Euro 2004 squad, but claims he will look back fondly on the time he has spent donning the colours of his country.

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"I feel blessed that I get to close this chapter among a team that are like family to me," said Liberopoulos.

"It's a big honour for me. At the end of the match, I felt that I didn't want to leave the pitch. Now I will continue supporting this team as a fan."

Veteran goalkeeper Chalkias has decided that he no longer wishes to be considered for selection after winning 32 caps.

The 38-year-old made two appearances at Euro 2012 and claims he could not have wished for a better send-off, despite seeing his involvement cut short through injury.

"I am proud and happy to have participated in Greece's effort to reach the quarter-finals," he said.

"This has been one of the best months of my career.

"Right now I am very emotional and proud - it was a dream finish for my international career."
 

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