Gonzalo Higuain retires from Argentina duty with message for critics | Football News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Gonzalo Higuain retires from Argentina duty with message for critics

Buenos Aires | ByAgence France-Presse
Mar 29, 2019 10:22 AM IST

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain announced his retirement from international football on Thursday telling critics ‘I gave everything’ for the Albiceleste

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain announced his retirement from international football on Thursday telling critics “I gave everything” for the Albiceleste.

File photo of Gonzalo Higuain.(REUTERS)
File photo of Gonzalo Higuain.(REUTERS)

He says he can devote more time to his family and more focus on his Premier League club Chelsea.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The 31-year-old French-born forward stands down from national duty with 75 caps, the first coming in 2009 when he marked his debut in a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Peru with a goal.

Last year’s 2-1 win over Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup was to be his last appearance for his country. He leaves with a 35-goal haul.

Higuain exits the international stage having lost out on World Cup glory in 2014 when Argentina fell to Germany in the final and defeats in the finals of the 2015 and 2016 Copa America.

Despite coming so close to a major trophy he bows out his head held high.

“To play in three finals and lose them is not a failure,” he told TV Fox Sports Argentina.

And he had a message for critics of his performances playing for Argentina.

“People remember your mistakes, not what you’ve accomplished.

“Those who attacked will have almost certainly cried for joy when I scored against Belgium to put us thought to the semi-finals (at the 2014 “World Cup).

“That’s football.”

He added: “Obviously when the criticism turns nasty it hurts everybody. I gave everything to the team. My family has suffered more than me.”

Whilst his international trophy chest may be bare, at club level he won two Spanish La Liga titles with Real Madrid in 2007 and 2008 and he helped Juventus be crowned Italian champions in 2017 and 2018.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Juventus on loan in January he has scored just three times in 10 appearances.

Catch all the Latest Football matches score updates alongwith EPL 2024 Schedule , ISL 2024 Schedule and other related updates on ISL 2024 Points table on The Hindustan Times website and App
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On