Gekas quits internationals

The 30-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt frontman made the announcement on his personal blog, citing 'special circumstances' as the reason for his decision.

Gekas becomes the third Greek player to retire from the international scene in the past month after Frankfurt team-mate Yiannis Amanatidis and Liverpool's Sotiris Kyrgiakos.

"After much thought I have decided to quit the national team because of some special circumstances within it and have informed those responsible," Gekas wrote on www.in.gr

"I want to wish the national team and my team-mates success and thank everyone who worked with me."

Gekas scored 20 goals in 52 appearances for the Greek national side since making his debut five years ago, and was his country's leading scorer in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup earlier this year.

Gekas' retirement will come as a blow to new Greece coach Fernando Santos, who took charge after Otto Rehhagel called time on his nine-year spell following his side's exit from the World Cup in the group stage.

Greece's Euro 2012 qualification campaign has got off to an unspectacular start with two draws in its opening two games.