Valdivia calls time on Chile career

Rio de Janeiro, July 19 (IANS) Chile playmaker Jorge Valdivia has announced his retirement from international football.

The 30-year-old revealed his decision on Twitter Friday, four days after joining United Arab Emirates outfit Al-Fujairah from Brazil's Palmeiras, reports Xinhua.

"People have asked me if I am retiring from the national team," Valdivia wrote. "The response is yes. Thanks to everybody and forgive my mistakes."

Valdivia won 58 caps and scored five goals for Chile, having made his international debut in 2005.

He was a member of Jorge Sampaoli's team that reached the round of 16 in this year's World Cup in Brazil.