Baros calls it quits

Milan Baros has announced his international retirement following the Czech Republic’s quarter-final loss to Portugal at Euro 2012.

The former Liverpool striker’s future has been questioned for some time with the 30-year-old calling it quits after their 1-0 defeat to Portugal in Warsaw just as captain Tomas Rosicky hinted about his future.

Baros, 30, won the Golden Boot at Euro 2004 and scored 41 goals in 93 appearances for the Czech Republic.

A statement on the Czech Republic football federation’s official website said Baros received a ‘long applause’ from his team-mates but that the decision had been coming for a while.

“(Baros’ retirement) had been speculated about for some time,” it read.

“The 30-year-old has been the subject of sharp criticism, culminating in the first Euro 2012 match against Russia. When Baros was substituted, some fans booed him.”

Arsenal midfielder Rosicky has had an injury riddled tournament and missed Thursday’s match prompting the 31-year-old to admit his international career was nearing its end.

“I would love to continue, but on the other hand I’m not the youngest anymore and have had problems with my fitness,” Rosicky said.

“I will take time to think about it. As I say, I would love to continue but I’m not stupid – I know I’m getting older and have to think about what is good for me.”

Rosicky has made 87 international appearances for the Czech Republic.