Veteran Korean defender Choi retires at 35

South Korean defender Choi Jin-Cheul (L) kicks the ball as Swiss forward Alexander Frei looks on during the World Cup 2006 group G match between Switzerland and South Korea in June 2006. Choi part of the rock-hard defense in South Korea's dream run at the 2002 World Cup has announced his retirement at the age of 35 after the Red Devils were knocked out in Germany.

Choi Jin-Cheul, part of the rock-hard defense in South Korea's dream run at the 2002 World Cup has announced his retirement at the age of 35 after the Red Devils were knocked out in Germany.

Choi, the oldest player on the national team, said he will call it quits after his club Chonbuk Hyundai's match on Saturday, Yonhap news agency reported Thursday.

"It's time to go," Choi was quoted saying, "to give an opportunity to younger players."

Choi formed a defensive rock alongside the now retired Hong Myung-Bo and Kim Tae-Young in 2002, when South Korea were surprise semi-finalists on home soil.

The defender has played 65 times for his country including South Korea's three matches in the 2006 World Cup.

South Korea failed to advance in the latest World Cup after defeating Togo and holding eventual final qualifiers France 1-1 but falling to Switzerland.

Choi had missed a pre-tournament friendly against African side Ghana, who turned out to be a susrprise success story in Germany after reaching the last 16, because of a niggling thigh injury.