FORMER Blackburn Rovers ace Benni McCarthy has announced his decision to retire.

The South African international is his country’s all-time leading scorer and has been playing in his homeland for Orlando Pirates since leaving West Ham in 2011. The 35-year-old scored 55 goals during his three-year spell at Ewood Park.

On his decision to retire he said: “I have been so blessed to have enjoyed a remarkable career that took me from the township fields of Nyanga Stadium, to winner’s medals in the Uefa Champions League and World Club Cup – the highest levels that a player can achieve in club football.”