Liberopoulos, Chalkias retire from internationals

After Friday’s loss to Germany at Euro 2012, Greece’s Nikos Liberopoulos and Kostas Chalkias announced their international retirements.

Striker Liberopoulos, 36, came on as a second-half substitute in the 4-2 quarter-final loss to Germany in what was his 76th and final cap.

“I feel blessed that I get to close this chapter among a team that are like family to me,” he said.

“It’s a big honour for me. At the end of the match, I felt that I didn’t want to leave the pitch. Now I will continue supporting this team as a fan.”

Liberopoulos made his international debut in 1996 and was called up regularly, but was left out of the squad for the Greek triumph at Euro 2004 in Portugal.

Goalkeeper Chalkias did not feature as often for the Greek squad, picking up just 32 caps in over a decade.

At 38, he made two appearances at Euro 2012 before being substituted because of injury.

Despite the circumstances of his exit, Chalkias was thrilled to be a part of the current Greek side.

“I am proud and happy to have participated in Greece’s effort to reach the quarter-finals,” he said.

“This has been one of the best months of my career.

“Right now I am very emotional and proud – it was a dream finish for my international career.”