Orlando Pirates striker and former Bafana Bafana stalwart Benni McCarthy announced his retirement from football on Thursday.

McCarthy, South Africa's most successful player of the modern era, released a statement via his management company, confirming he would be hanging up his boots.

“I have been so blessed to have enjoyed a remarkable career that took me from the township fields of Nyanga Stadium, to winners' medals in the Uefa Champions League and World Club Cup," McCarthy said.

McCarthy began his professional career at now defunct Seven Stars in Cape Town, before the 36-year-old attacker went on to play in Holland for Ajax Amsterdam, Spain (Celta Vigo), Portugal (FC Porto) and England (Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United). He returned to South Africa for a final stint with the Buccaneers.

“I retire having represented my country at senior level 80 times and scored a record 31 goals," he said.

"Two Soccer World Cup finals -- in France and Korea/Japan -- an Olympic Games and an under-20 World Cup will be memories that live in my heart forever.

“And to have come home to South Africa for a final chapter, and to have won the treble with Orlando Pirates (2011/12), was the type of finale that only dreams are made of."

McCarthy enjoyed his greatest success while at Porto, where he played under the leadership of recently re-appointed Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, scoring 34 goals in more than 70 appearances, including a Champions League title in 2004.

"It has been a 17-year professional career that surpassed even my own expectations and I've been privileged to have played under many great coaches, including the very best... Jose Mourinho," McCarthy said.

His international career saw him set a new South African goal-scoring record, netting 31 goals in 80 appearances for Bafana.

McCarthy said while his playing days were over, he aimed to qualify as a coach, and hoped to remain within the game for years to come.

"I have played the game and I love the game. It's in my blood.

"For the next chapter, I'd like to concentrate on getting my coaching badges and at the same time, be part of a club where I can get practical experience.

"I'd also like to do some television work because I enjoy that aspect of the game as well.”

Check out Benni’s footwork in this “Shibobo” video below: 

Take a trip down memory lane with our gallery of Benni McCarthy pics...

Sapa and ZAlebs