By Cormac Pearson in London

VETERAN British actor Sir Michael Caine has confirmed he has retired from acting after the release of his latest film.

“I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well, I am now,” the 90-year-old told the BBC.

“I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and had incredible reviews… What am I going to do that will beat this?”

The Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta-winning actor has an extensive filmography, including classic films ranging from “Zulu” and “The Italian Job” to more recently in “Interstellar” and “The Dark Knight” franchise, alongside Christian Bale.

He has appeared in more than 160 films over a career that has spanned seven decades.

In his final film, “The Great Escaper”, which was released in the UK in early October, he plays real-life World War II veteran Bernie Jordan who escaped from a care home to attend D-Day celebrations in France.

“The only parts I’m liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85,” he told BBC Radio 4’s “Today” program.

“They’re not going to be the lead. You don’t have leading men at 90, you’re going to have young handsome boys and girls. So I thought, I might as well leave with all this.”

Sir Michael said he had turned the film down three times before accepting the role as he considered himself retired.

He stars alongside Glenda Jackson, who died in June after the completion of the film.

His announcement comes a month before Sir Michael’s novel “Deadly Game” is scheduled for release.

The novel follows the adventures of DCI Harry Taylor, a detective with no respect for red tape or political reputations.