Pope Benedict will see out his life in prayer, "hidden from the world", he said today in his first personal comment on his plans since he stunned Roman Catholics by announcing his retirement.
England manager Roy Hodgson has reluctantly accepted John Terry's retirement from internationals but said he was disappointed in the defender's decision.
The English Football Association (FA) have rejected Chelsea defender John Terry's claims that an investigation into his alleged racial abuse of an opponent during a Premier League match last year had forced him to retire from England duty.
Former Germany captain Michael Ballack quietly announced his retirement at the age of 36, ending a career in which he played for top clubs Bayern Munich and Chelsea and helped his country reach the 2002 World Cup final.
Former world heavyweight champion David Haye retired from the sport on his 31st birthday. "As the clock struck 12 last night my boxing career came to an end," Haye said in a statement.
Former Brazil and Real Madrid fullback Roberto Carlos, famous for his booming free kick, has officially ended his playing career, the Anzhi Makhachkala player said on Wednesday
American Andy Roddick plans to retire after the US Open, the former world number one said on Thursday.
Veteran British actor Peter O'Toole, praised for esteemed roles in classic films such as "Lawrence of Arabia," announced on Tuesday he is retiring from acting in films and stage
Veteran British actor Bob Hoskins, the star of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," said he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and was retiring from acting.
Seminal American novelist Philip Roth, one of the world's most revered authors, is retiring from writing, his publisher Houghton Mifflin said.