MADRID, July 17 - Argentina captain Roberto Ayala announced his retirement from international soccer on Tuesday, two days after winning his 115th cap during his side's 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the final of the Copa America.

"I took the decision some time ago and it wasn't just because of the result but because I think a cycle has come to an end in the national team," the 34-year-old centre-back told a news conference after signing a three-year contract with Real Zaragoza.

"International football takes a lot out of you, so I prefer to concentrate on playing for a club and hope that I can finish my career with another trophy.

"I want to keep playing and so will be looking after myself, training hard and watching what I eat."

The defender made his international debut in a 3-0 defeat of Chile in November 1994 and has been a fixture in the Albiceleste ever since.

He became Argentina's most capped player in February this year when he beat Diego Simeone's previous record of 106 caps after leading the team out for their friendly international against France at the Stade de France.

Ayala played at the 1998 and 2006 World Cups and was part of the Argentina side that won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.

His international career came to a disappointing end, however, when he scored an own goal in the comprehensive 3-0 defeat by arch-rivals Brazil on Sunday.