AFC Asian Cup | Anas Edathodika announces retirement from International football
Anas Edathodika has announced his retirement from the International football across different social networking sites and added that it is now the youngsters' time to take over. After making his debut in 2017, Edathodika had gone on to represent the Indian team in a total of 19 games.
After India failed to secure a knockout spot at the Asian Cup yesterday, as they went down against Bahrain 0-1, Anas Edathodika has announced his retirement from the Indian National Football team. In a series of tweets, Anas expressed his feelings and stated that playing for the Indian team was the biggest achievement of his career.
“It comes with a very heavy heart today to announce my retirement from the Indian national football team. It's been a very hard decision to take and accept. I love to play more years at my best, but I think it's the time to step down and give opportunities to youngsters who can perform better," Anas said.
After starting his career in the I-League, it took Anas more than five years to make it to the Indian team. Stating the same, he said that even though the journey in the Indian team for him was short, it was a fulfilling one and he gave his best effort every time he went on to the field. He represented India in 19 International games.
“It took 11 years to break into the national team and playing for the national team is the top achievement in my career; although the journey was short. Each and every time I tried to give more than 100
In his last match for India, he could not do much as he had to sit out most of the match due to an injury he sustained in the opening minutes of the game. He expressed his agony on that incident and stated that missing out on his last International match would hurt him forever.
“I was so disappointed to pick up an injury in the opening minutes and it will hurt me forever. I just want to say a huge thanks to the coach Stephen Constantine for believing in me and giving me the opportunity and I wish you good luck for the future. Also thanks to all the coaching staffs, teammates, the fans and who all have supported me throughout my journey for the national team.”
The defender went on to express his wishes to a couple of players in the Indian team. He added that he had played the game with some of the best players in the game for India and tagged his Indian team partner Sandesh Jhingan. Anas and Jhingan, until now, had formed India’s core defensive unit under former coach Stephen Constantine.
“I have been blessed to play for my country, with some of the best players. My heart will forever embrace the feeling of walking through the tunnel and out onto the field donning the national jersey with my brothers. Sandesh Jhinghan, we had a good partnership in guarding the central defence, it was an emotion playing with you, Brother.”
“Jeje, Trust me, you're the best room partner I ever had and I'll miss all these! I wish you all good luck and keep making our nation proud. These memories will stay with me forever, ️. Anas Edathodika,” he signed off.
Cricket FootBall Kabaddi
Basketball Hockey
SportsCafe
0
0
0
0
0
0
Comments
Sign up or log in to your account to leave comments and reactions
0 Comments