HAVANA: Retired Cuban leader Fidel Castro complains of a bad knee, weak eyesight and difficulty adjusting to changes in light in a lengthy interview published in island newspapers.

The 86-year-old praises election officials for building a new entrance to his polling place, meaning he doesn't have to climb stairs.

Castro also speaks of the health of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a close ally who is battling cancer in Havana.

He says that in his struggle to refashion the South American nation on socialist principles, Chavez "neglected his health."

Castro stepped aside as president in 2008, handing power to his younger brother Raul. He spoke with local reporters Feb. 3 when he voted in national election, and the transcript was published Tuesday.