Perparim Hetemaj Chievo's midfielder from Finland fights for the ball with Juventus' midfielder from Brazil Hernanes (right) during the Italian Serie A football match Chievo Verona vs Juventus at Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium in Verona on Nov 6, 2016. (GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP)

RIO DE JANEIRO - Former Brazil international midfielder Hernanes has announced his retirement from football after a professional career spanning 18 years.

The 36-year-old had been without a club since December, when he parted ways with Brazilian Serie A outfit Sport Recife after just five months.

Hernanes earned 27 Brazil caps and was a member of Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad at the 2014 World Cup, making three substitute appearances as the tournament hosts finished fourth

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"Today I'm officially ending my playing days," Hernanes told a news conference. "I had set a goal of playing until the age of 38. I wanted to play on for longer.

"But the realization that I was no longer able to be the influential player I once was ate away at me. I'm thankful for everything football has given me. Now it's time to do other things."

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Hernanes earned 27 Brazil caps and was a member of Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad at the 2014 World Cup, making three substitute appearances as the tournament hosts finished fourth.

His career included spells at Lazio, Inter Milan, Juventus and Hebei China Fortune, among other clubs.