Slovak referee Lubos Michel, who was in charge of the 2008 Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea, has decided to retire for personal and health reasons, the Slovak Football Association said on Thursday.
The 40-year-old underwent Achilles tendon surgery after longstanding problems, which ruled him out for last week's World Cup qualifier between Belgium and Spain.
The referee, whose international career started in 1994, took part in the Euro 2008 despite a planned three-month break due to health problems, after appearances at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
Michel's name also appeared on the list of referees for the next World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
The teacher by profession was in charge of 50 Champions League clashes, including two semifinals, and of the UEFA Cup final between Porto and Celtic in 2003.
