"Each beginning has an end, I've thought about this for many nights and I want to focus on my club," the Qatar SC defender was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"I've had an amazing time representing my country, and after the Nations Cup here in Ghana, I feel it is the right time to step aside."

Morocco suffered a first-round exit for the second successive Nations Cup. They finished third in Group A behind leaders Ghana and runners-up Guinea.

"We have to forget about this tournament and think about the future because with all these fantastic young players we can achieve great things."

"This team can play together for the next eight to ten years and I know with this team we can qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa," he added.

The 31-year-old defender, who played for Paris Saint-Germain and Charlton Athletic, helped Morocco reach the 2004 Nations Cup final before losing to hosts Tunisia.