After almost four decades and eight movies, actor Sylvester Stallone has announced retirement from playing his iconic character ‘Rocky’.

In a video he shared on Instagram, the 72-year-old actor said he is retiring from playing the iconic character, referring to his latest appearance in the recently released ‘Creed II’ as his ‘last rodeo’. “As I step back, as my story has been told, there is a whole new world that's going to be opening up for the audience, for this generation,” he said.

“I just want to thank everyone around the whole wide World for taking the Rocky family into their hearts for over 40 years. It’s been my ultimate privilege to have been able to create and play this meaningful character. Though it breaks my heart, Sadly all things must pass... and end,” he captioned the video on Instagram.

 

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I am reposting this because there was a technical difficulty. I just want to thank everyone around the whole wide World for taking the Rocky family into their hearts for over 40 years. It’s been my Ultimate privilege to have been able to create and play this meaningful character. Though it breaks my heart, Sadly all things must pass... and end. I love you Kind and generous people , and The most wonderful thing of all , is that ROCKY will never die because he lives on in you ....

A post shared by Sly Stallone (@officialslystallone) on Nov 28, 2018 at 6:49am PST

The first ‘Rocky’ movie won three Academy Awards for best picture, best director and best film editing. Stallone has been nominated three times for an Oscar for his role in the Rocky series.

Latest ‘Creed’ movies are the continuation of ‘Rocky’ movies. ‘Creed II’ has just hit theatres worldwide.