IN THE YEAR of a major tournament the list of players retiring from international duty is usually considerably long. 2014 was no different, here we take a look at 19 players who won’t be donning the jersey of their country again.
1. Philip Lahm - The Bayern Munich man retired after captaining Germany to World Cup glory in July. The full-back made his debut in 2004 and went on to 113 times for his country.
2. Steven Gerrard - The Liverpool captain announced his retirement after England’s group stage exit at the World Cup. The 34-year-old won 114 caps for his country and is the third most capped player in England history.
3. Samir Nasri - Another player to leave the international scene on a low, Nasri retired after being omitted from the French World Cup squad. At just 27 years old he is one of the youngest on the list but it was bad blood between himself and Didier Deschamps that led to him quitting France. On retiring Nasri said: “Let’s face it, as long as he is going to be the manager I don’t think I have a shot after everything that has happened.”
4. Frank Lampard -Lampard was another England player to leave the international stage after the World Cup. At the age of 36 and having made 106 international appearances the New York City midfielder said: “I have always been exceptionally proud and honoured to represent my country and have to say looking back I have enjoyed every minute of wearing the England shirt.”
5. David Villa - Perhaps the most emotional retirement on the list, Villa broke down in tears when he was substituted in Spain’s final group stage match at the World Cup, knowing it was his last appearance for La Roja. He did score a beautiful backheel during the game though, adding to his very impressive tally of 59 goals in 97 games.
6. Fred – Without a doubt this is the most humiliating retirement on the list. Poor Fred was made the scapegoat of Brazil’s poor showing at the World Cup, enduring the jeers of his own fans in the 7-1 defeat to Germany. In fairness the 31-year-old’s goalscoring record isn’t too bad as he netted 18 times in 39 games for the Selecao.
7. Per Mertesacker - With 104 caps by the age of 29 Mertesacker has a very impressive international record and decided to call it a day after achieving the highest success possible by winning the World Cup with Germany. The 6ft 6in defender made his debut in 2004 aged just 20.
8. Miroslav Klose - Another German to retire after lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy, Klose left the international ranks as the highest goalscorer in German history with 71 goals in 137 games. The 36-year-old also tops the World Cup goalscoring list.
9. Richard Dunne - Dunne is the only Irishman on the list and his retirement was a blow to Martin O’Neill’s side. The 35-year-old made 80 appearances in the green jersey and will be fondly remembered. In case you’ve forgotten, here are five of his most memorable games for Ireland (and yes, of course it includes Russia away in 2011).
10. Dider Drogba - Drogba captained the Ivory Coast for eight years, making 104 appearances in the process and scoring 65 goals. He retired after leading Les Elephants to the 2014 World Cup.
11. Xavi - The midfield magician was another casualty of Spain’s World Cup group stage exit, calling time on an international career that saw him win two European Championships and a World Cup. The Barcelona midfielder made 133 appearances for Spain leaving him behind only Iker Casillas on the all-time list.
12. Eduardo - The 31-year-old is another player who left his country’s side on a bad note saying on retirement that he felt “deprived of fair and honest treatment.” The former Arsenal striker made 64 appearances, scoring 29 times which makes him Croatia’s second top scorer behind Davor Suker.
13. Joseph Yobo - Yobo captained Nigeria to the last 16 of the World Cup where they were beaten 2-0 by France and the former Everton defender scored an own goal. It was the 33-year-old’s 100th appearance for the Super Eagles and he retired a few days later.
14. Eric Abidal - The 34-year-old returned from a liver transplant in 2012 and was available for selection for the World Cup but wasn’t selected in the squad. Abidal won 67 caps for France after making his debut in 2004 and was the third French player to retire during the summer.
15. Xabi Alonso – Alonso was another Spanish player to call time on his career after the World Cup. With 114 caps to his name Alonso announced his retirement through Twitter saying: “I announce my retirement from international football. It’s been an enormous honour for 11 great years. Sincere thanks to everyone involved.”
16. Franck Ribery - Ribery missed the World Cup due to a back injury and retired after the tournament had ended with 81 caps and 16 international goals to his name. The Bayern Munich winger said on retirement: “There were highs and lows but now is the time to start a new chapter in my life.”
17. Giorgos Karagounis - Greece’s most capped player bowed out of international football after Costa Rica knocked the Greeks out of the World Cup at the last 16 stage. With 139 caps over a 15 year career Karagounis is a Greek legend and won the European Championships with the team in 2004.
18. Ashley Cole - The 33-year-old quit England duty after being left out of Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad in May. Cole enjoyed a stellar England career, earning 107 caps and featuring at three World Cups.
19. Samuel Eto’o – Rounding off the list is Cameroon’s all-time top goalscorer. Eto’o scored 56 times in 118 appearances for Cameroon and retired in August after being dropped from the squad and losing his captaincy to Stephane M’bia.
