Dimitar Berbatov, the Manchester United forward and Bulgaria captain, will play no part in qualifying for the 2008 European Championship after retiring from international football.

Berbatov, 29, is his country's record scorer with 48 goals from 74 appearances.

"I feel exhausted and now there are many guys who can emerge from my shadow. For them the moment has come," he said.

"You should always know when to stop. It wasn't a decision I took lightly and I have reconsidered several times."

Berbatov has had two tough seasons at Old Trafford since his £30.75million move from Tottenham Hotspur, where he has been judged to have made little impact despite scoring 26 times.