Georgia to go on without Arveladze

AZ Alkmaar's Georgian forward Shota Arveladze has announced his international retirement ahead of the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers against Lithuania and France.

Star man
The 34-year-old, whose former clubs include AFC Ajax and Rangers FC, has scored 16 goals in 63 appearances for his country, including five strikes in Group B to help Georgia take six points from as many games. Despite that success, Arveladze says injuries have taken their toll and he reached his decision after the 2-1 defeat in Scotland in March, when he was again on target.

'Can't take any more'
"I said to our coach Klaus Toppmöller, after the match in Glasgow, that I was going to quit the team because of various injury problems. I can't take them any more," said Arveladze, who is nevertheless likely to give Georgia fans one last chance to see him in national colours. "I would like to play one more match at home in Tbilisi in front of our supporters," he added.