ROME : Veteran Brazilian defender Cafu, a World Cup winner in 1994 and 2002, said on Friday he was quitting Italian giants AC Milan after six years with the club.

"It is time to leave," the 37-year-old Cafu, who moved to Milan from AS Roma in 2003, told Milan Television. "It's sad, it's tough but I knew that one day or another the time would come to go home to Brazil," added the ex-captain.

"I don't know whether I will continue to play or if I have stopped indefinitely.

"Sunday (when AC Milan conclude their league season against Udinese at the San Siro) will be my last match here. I don't know if the coach will pick me. But I am ready to play."

Cafu's fellow Brazilian defender Serginho, 36, who arrived in Milan in 1999, also said on Friday that he was leaving.

"Due to problems with my back, I can't get back to my best level," said Serginho. "That's why I believe that it's a good time to say good-bye."

- AFP /ls