Koller set to retire

The 35-year-old giant is the all-time record goalscorer for this country, with 52 in 85 games.

And he believes the time is right to quit the international scene, with Czech coach Karel Bruckner also stepping down after this summer's finals.

"I will retire after Euro 2008. It has been long decided, for two months now," Koller told Czech daily Dnes. "I simply feel it is about time to end there.

"Also, coach Karel Bruckner will leave the team and we have been bound up with each other. His decision put an end to my hesitation."

The former Anderlecht, Dortmund and Monaco hit-man went on to praise Bruckner, with whom he reached the 2004 semi finals of the European Championships in Portugal.

"He is one of the best coaches I have worked with," Koller added.

"I am sorry that I could not co-work with him in a club to be more in contact with him."

Koller is hoping to bow out by winning Euro 2008 and also believes there is a strong new generation of players coming through for the Czechs.

"It would be great to win it. But if we manage to qualify from the group, I will not take Euro 2008 as a disappointment," declared Koller

"My generation is on its way out and young players are coming in. There is no Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky and, due to injury problems, no Vladimir Smicer either."

Koller said that he plans to play on for Nurnberg next season before taking a decision on his future at the end of the campaign.

"I want to continue playing, to fulfil the contract at Nurnberg until the end of next season," he continued.

"And afterwards? It is hard to say. It will depend on my health, on my motivation and on if I feel that I still have the ability to play at such a level."