Former Brazil international midfielder Diego Ribas announces retirement

club captain

decided to end his career at the end of the Brazilian Serie A season. He won his second Copa Libertadores last weekend with Flamengo.

The Brazilian international made an overall of 720 appearances, scoring 146 goals, and providing 135 assists during his 20-year career. The 37-year-old Ribas played in six countries and won 23 major trophies. Ribes made 34 appearances for Brazil and scored four goals. He was part of the squad that won the Copa America in 2003 and 2017.

"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."

“It was six wonderful years. Last year, in my renewal, I defined that this would be my last year at Flamengo as a player. I come here to confirm this to you. months. It will end my time at Flamengo as a player."

Ribas started his career at Santos in 2002 before joining Porto in 2004. He then played at Werder Bremen, Juventus, Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, and Fenerbahce before joining Flamengo in 2016. He played 229 times for Flamengo and won 12 titles.

He spent two loan spells at

and scored for them in the Europe League final against Athletic Club in 2012.

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