Former Greece captain Katsouranis retires

By foxsports
Published

ATHENS, Greece (AP) Former Greece captain Kostas Katsouranis, the last professionally playing member of the winning European Championship squad in 2004, has announced his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old defensive midfielder revealed the news on Twitter, writing in English Wednesday: ''I especially thank my teammates. It was an honor playing with you!''

Formerly at Benfica and several topflight Greek clubs, Katsouranis ended his career with 116 appearances and 10 goals for the national team.

Katsouranis was first called up at age 23 by former coach Otto Rehhagel who made him a key member of the winning Euro 2004 squad. He played in the following two European Championships as well as the World Cups in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil last year.