Zagorakis confirms quit intention

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ATHENS, Greece -- Greece captain Theodoros Zagorakis, who led his country to Euro 2004 glory, has confirmed he will quit after the next two Euro qualifiers against Norway and Bosnia.

The 34-year-old, who has a record 118 caps for his country, including 66 as captain, has repeatedly hinted he was ready to end his 12-year career after the game against Group C leaders Norway at the weekend.

But a surprise call-up by his coach Otto Rehhagel for the Bosnia match four days later extended his international career by one match.

"For me this cycle will now come to an end after these two games," a visibly moved Zagorakis told reporters.

"You cannot hold two melons under one arm and I feel I cannot give everything I want to the national team," he said refering to his double duties as national team and PAOK Salonika captain.

"There are things you want to give but you just cannot," said Zagorakis, who is hugely popular in Greece.

Zagorakis, who started his international career only three months after Greece's dismal showing at the 1994 World Cup, enjoyed his biggest triumph when he captained his country to the biggest upset in football history in Portugal two years ago.

Greece, a traditionally weak side that had qualified only once before for the European Championships, stunned hosts Portugal in the final, winning 1-0.

"The national team has been such a big part of my life and I want to thank God for all these wonderful things that I have enjoyed," he said.

Zagorakis is expected to start against Norway in front of a a sell-out 33,000 crowd in the Karaiskaki stadium in his last home match.

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