Former Real Madrid defender Cicinho has confirmed his retirement from football following ongoing knee injury problems.
The Brazilian full-back played 26 matches for Los Blancos between 2006 and 2007 before joining Roma, while he also won 15 caps for his nation.
“I'm here to announce my retirement,” Cicinho told a press conference.
“I'm grateful for the opportunities that I've had and I'm at ease with the decision – to continue playing I would have needed extensive surgery and that would have ruled me out for a further six months.”
Now 37, Cicinho won the Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup double for Sao Paulo in 2005, before securing his move to the Bernabeu.
