Norway and Fulham full-back John Arne Riise announced his international retirement after a record 110 caps for his country.
The former Liverpool, Roma and Monaco left-back’s decision caused shock waves in his homeland as Norway are midway through a qualification campaign for the World Cup in Brazil next year.
But the 32-year-old claimed he is too old for the twin commitments of club and international football.
“I’ve come into the last phase of my football career and I’ve got to an age where I have to make clear decisions if I want to achieve my last goal: to play on for another four or five years in a European club,” said Riise in a statement.
“To be in my best condition I want to concentrate on my club.”
Norway coach Egil Drillo Olsen said he was “surprised” by the announcement but said he respected it.
Some believe part of the decision is down to Riise feeling undervalued by his country.
A week ago Riise had told the TV2 Nyhetskanalen station that he was not happy at having been overlooked for the captaincy in February’s friendly with Ukraine.
Norway, who have not reached a major finals since Euro 2000, currently lie fourth in qualifying group E with seven points, four behind leaders Switzerland.