Watford and Greece defender Jose Holebas has announced his immediate retirement from international football.

The 32-year-old told his team-mates following their 2-0 win over Estonia on Monday night that he planned to end his five-year international playing career to give younger players more opportunity to progress.

The announcement only three days after his final appearance in their home qualifier with Cyprus, where he played the last 12 minutes. He has not started a competitive tie since September last year.

Holebas played 38 times in total for the side, including all four of their games at the 2014 World Cup, and making two starts in their Euro 2012 campaign.

A statement from the national side said: "We thank Jose for his contribution to the representative team the last five years, during which the national team reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2012 and the last 16 at World Cup 2014. 

"Jose wore the national shirt 38 times, performing successfully and scoring once.

"The decision to stop striving with the national side and give space to younger players is fully respected. We wish him good luck in his career."