Sylvester Stallone retires from Rocky Balboa role

Cape Town - Sylvester Stallone has announced his retirement from playing the legendary character Rocky Balboa, which he has portrayed since the 1970s.

Creed II, which releases in South African cinemas on Friday, 30 November will be the character's swansong. 

The actor shared the news in a video on Instagram in which he passed the mantle on to Creed actor, Michael B Jordan.

Alongside the clip he wrote: "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."

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

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