RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil international midfielder Diego Ribas will retire at the end of the Brazilian Serie A season after a professional career spanning two decades.
The 37-year-old made the announcement on social media on Saturday, a week after he was an unused substitute in Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Athletico Parananese in the Copa Libertadores final.
"It was worth believing in dreams and working tirelessly to pursue them," Diego said. "It's time to start a new cycle and seek new challenges. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has somehow been a part of this long and amazing journey."
Diego began his career at Santos in 2002 before joining Portuguese giants Porto in 2004. He had subsequent spells at Werder Bremen, Juventus, Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid and Fenerbahce before arriving at Flamengo in 2016.
The playmaker helped the Rio de Janeiro club to 12 trophies, including two Copa Libertadores titles, a Copa do Brasil triumph and two Brazilian Serie A crowns.
He represented Brazil's national team from 2003 to 2017, scoring four goals in 34 appearances.
Flamengo are currently third in the Brazilian Serie A standings, 16 points behind leaders Palmeiras, with three matches remaining in the season. ■
