Radebe's injury misery almost forced Radebe to quit

The 34-year-old pulled the curtain down on his international career by leading South Africa out against England in Durban.

It was an honour the veteran thought he would never have after spending much of last year battling back from a serious knee injury.

The physical and mental scars of Radebe's long battle took their toll and Radebe admitted they almost ended his career.

I think they are good scars because I've got them doing what I like most Lucas Radebe

Radebe said: "There was a point when, a few games ago, I went home and I was very disappointed because I was limping.

"It was so painful I couldn't even get up the stairs at home.

"I said to my girlfriend that I may have to call it quits because I didn't feel it was worth suffering all the pain.

"Then I said I would have to think about it, and once I said that, I knew I was never going to make the decision. But it was really close.

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"I think they are good scars because I've got them doing what I like most," Radebe told Leeds official website.

"I enjoy the pain after games because I know that I am willing to do the best I can.

"You only get one chance to do this, and that time is now. They are my battle scars."