YAOUNDE: Cameroon`s veteran centre-back Rigobert Song announced his retirement from international football on Sunday.

The 34-year-old, the first African to play in four World Cups and eight African Cup of Nations, said that the time was right to call it a day.

"You have to know when to quit when the time comes," said the 136-times capped Song, who plays for Turkish first division side Trabzonspor.

"I leave this team with pride … and think I have accomplished a duty."

During the press conference, the former Metz, Lens and Liverpool player had a special word for his "brother in arms" Marc Vivien Foe, who died on the pitch playing a Confederations Cup match in June 2003.

Song had been under fire for recent performances and had to settle for a substitute`s role at the World Cup in which Cameroon were eliminated after three straight defeats.

BDST: 2203HRS, August 1, 2010