Former Real Madrid defender Cicinho retires

Sao Paulo March 7 (IANS) Former Real Madrid right-back Cicinho has announced his retirement from football succumbing to ongoing knee problems.

The news came on Tuesday a week after the 37-year-old rescinded his contract with Brasilia-based club Brasiliense because of a recurring ligament injury reports Xinhua news agency.

"I m here to announce my retirement " Cicinho told a news conference here.

"I m grateful for the opportunities that I ve had and I m at ease with the decision. To continue playing I would need more aggressive surgery that would keep me out for six more months " he added.

Cicinho played 26 matches for Real Madrid from 2006 to 2007 before joining AS Roma.

Capped 15 times for Brazil s national team he was also a part of the Sao Paulo side that won the 2005 Copa Libertadores and FIFA Club World Cup double.

--IANS
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