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Captain Berbatov quits Bulgarian team

Dimitar Barbatov has been widely criticized for his performances for Manchester United and Bulgaria this season.
Dimitar Barbatov has been widely criticized for his performances for Manchester United and Bulgaria this season.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Bulgaria captain Dimitar Berbatov announces his retirement from international football
  • Berbatov made 74 appearances for his country and scored a record 48 goals
  • The 29-year-old Manchester United striker has been criticized for his recent displays
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(CNN) -- Manchester United and Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect.

The 29-year-old was captain of his country and scored a national record 48 goals in just 74 matches.

However, Bulgaria flopped in their World Cup qualifying group -- failing to reach the finals in South Africa -- and the former Tottenham's star's performances drew widespread criticism from within his own country.

Confirming his decision at a press conference in Sofia, Berbatov said: "It isn't a decision I took lightly and I have reconsidered making it several times.

"Everything has a beginning and an end and that end is today. I feel exhausted and now there are many guys who can emerge from my shadow. For them the moment has come."

Berbatov, who overtook Hristo Stoichkov's scoring record in a friendly match against Malta last year, has endured a troubled season at Manchester United.

He has struggled to make an impact since his big-money move from Tottenham in August 2008 and was overshadowed by strike partner Wayne Rooney as United failed to retain their English Premier League title.