Cristian Chivu has announced his retirement from international duty with Romania at the age of 30.
The Inter defender confirmed the decision with a letter to the Romanian Football Federation (Frf).
“My career under the Romanian flag has finished,” he wrote. “Age, injuries and surgery over the past few years mean I cannot challenge on many fronts any more.
“This decision puts an end to one of the most important parts of my life. Looking back I feel pride, honour and recognition.”
Cristian Chivu has announced his retirement from international duty with Romania at the age of 30.
The Inter defender confirmed the decision with a letter to the Romanian Football Federation (Frf).
“My career under the Romanian flag has finished,” he wrote. “Age, injuries and surgery over the past few years mean I cannot challenge on many fronts any more.
“This decision puts an end to one of the most important parts of my life. Looking back I feel pride, honour and recognition.”
It means Chivu will not play in Romania's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bosnia on June 3 in Bucharest.
His international career ends after 69 caps in 12 years.
Chivu almost died after fracturing his skull in January 2010 and was out of action for five months before returning for the victorious Champions League Final.
He still wears a protective helmet and bears the scar of that operation to remove bone fragments from his brain.