Portugal star Deco has announced that he will retire from international football after this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

The 32-year-old Chelsea midfielder, who was born in Brazil, has played regularly for Portugal since taking citizenship in 2002.

However, the former Porto and Barcelona ace now feels the time is right to call it quits.

"I will close my cycle after the World Cup," he told Radio Globo.

"Because of my age and because it is tiring, I will say goodbye to the national team after the World Cup."

Deco has 71 international caps to his name and helped guide Portugal to the Euro 2004 final as well as the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup.