Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has retired from international football with Bulgaria.

Berbatov, who has had an inconsistent season with the Reds, made 74 appearances for his country and scored a record 48 goals.

However, his performances in the team's failed World Cup qualifying campaign drew widespread criticism in his homeland.

Speaking at a press conference in Sofia, the 29-year-old said: "I came to the decision that as of now I have retired from the national team.

"It wasn't a decision I took lightly and I have reconsidered several times.

"Everything has a beginning and an end and that is today."