MEXICO CITY --- Julio Franco announced his retirement from baseball after a 23-year career in the major leagues and stints in his native Dominican Republic, South Korea, Japan and Mexico.

In 2007, at age 48, he became the oldest player to hit a home run in the majors.

"It was the hardest decision in my life," the 49-year-old Franco said Saturday in the Mexican sports daily Record . "I always said I would be the first one to know the exact moment. ... I understand that my time has passed and the great men and athletes know when to say enough."

The infielder announced his retirement Wednesday to his Mexican league team, the Quintana Roo Tigers. The league posted the news its on Web site.

Franco last played in the majors in 2007, when he played in 55 games with the New York Mets (40) and the Atlanta Braves (15). He batted .222 with one home run and 16 RBI in 90 at-bats.

Franco hit his last major league home run against Randy Johnson on May 4, 2007.

He retired with a .298 average, 2,586 hits and 173 home runs in 23 seasons in the majors with eight teams.