Mexican striker Blanco retires from international football

Striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco announced his retirment from international football Wednesday as Mexico defeated Canada 2-1 in a 2010 World Cup qualifier.

Blanco had made his intentions known before the match, in which he went on in the closing moments for Fernando Arce to make his 100th appearance for the national team.

The 35-year-old, who scored 34 goals for Mexico in his international career, admitted he would have liked to make his final appearance at famed Azteca stadium, but said it was time to make way for younger players.

“The decision was already made,” he said. “I'm content. I believe that my time in the selection is done,” said the talented player who is beloved by Mexican fans.

Blanco made his debut for Mexico on February 1, 1995, in a friendly against Uruguay.

He played in two World Cups, in France in 1998 and South Korea and Japan in 2002, and helped Mexico win the Confederations Cup in 1999. He is currently playing for the Chicago Fire in North America's Major League Soccer.