( CNN ) -- Manchester United and Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect . The 29-year-old was captain of his country and scored a national record 48 goals in just 74 matches . However , Bulgaria flopped in their World Cup qualifying group -- failing to reach the finals in South Africa -- and the former Tottenham 's star 's performances drew widespread criticism from within his own country . Confirming his decision at a press conference in Sofia , Berbatov said : `` It is n't a decision I took lightly and I have reconsidered making it several times . `` Everything has a beginning and an end and that end is today . I feel exhausted and now there are many guys who can emerge from my shadow . For them the moment has come . '' Berbatov , who overtook Hristo Stoichkov 's scoring record in a friendly match against Malta last year , has endured a troubled season at Manchester United . He has struggled to make an impact since his big-money move from Tottenham in August 2008 and was overshadowed by strike partner Wayne Rooney as United failed to retain their English Premier League title .
Bulgaria captain Sergei Berbatov announces his retirement from international football . Berbatov made 100 appearances for his country and scored a record 48 goals . The 29-year - old Manchester United striker has been praised for his recent displays .