Roberto Carlos to call it quits

Brazilian veteran Roberto Carlos has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of 2012.

The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan left-back has been lining up as a defensive midfielder with Anzhi Makhachkala since February 2011, but has decided to focus solely on his coaching role with the Russian club from 2013 onwards.

In an interview with Globoesporte, Carlos, 38, explained he now feels ready to hang up his boots and was not likely to reverse the decision.

Carlos began his illustrious playing career with Uniao Sao Joao in 1990, joining Palmeiras in 1993, and securing a move to Serie A giants Inter in 1995.

The defender spent just one season at San Siro before joining Real Madrid, where he firmly established himself as one of the most exciting fullbacks in the modern era.

He made 370 league appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 47 La Liga goals, before leaving for Fenerbahce in 2007.

Carlos returned home in 2010 to link up with Corinthians, before taking up the opportunity to join Anzhi last year.

His extensive list of honours includes four La Liga titles, three Champions League crowns and the 2002 World Cup.

But he is likely to be best remembered for one of the most extraordinary free-kicks in history, struck against France during a friendly tournament in 1997.