Veteran Ignashevich hangs up his boots

Veteran Russia defender Sergei Ignashevich has announced his retirement from soccer following his country’s World Cup elimination.

The 38-year-old holds the record for most Russia appearances with 127, and his last act on the pitch was to convert a penalty in Saturday’s quarterfinal shootout defeat to Croatia.

In a video statement released by the Russian team, Ignashevich said: “I feel pleasure and peace because I’m finishing on a high note by playing at the World Cup, in a quarterfinal with an excellent team and an excellent coach.”