India defender Mahesh Gawli Monday announced his retirement from international football after a career lasting more than a decade. The Goan, however, will continue to play for his local club Dempo.Gawli, who represented India in 82 games, informed about his decision to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in a letter.
“It is delightful and so appropriate to have a perfect farewell to my international career after winning the 2011 SAFF Championship,” the 31-year-old wrote.
Gawli was part of the team that won seven titles, including the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and Nehru Cup, in 2007 and 2009.
He captained India in a one-off match against Malaysia in Guwahati last month.
Gawli has been playing for Dempo since 2005 and was member of Churchill Brothers and East Bengal.
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title: “Mahesh Gawli Retires From International Football” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-29” author: “Marvin Webb”
Mahesh Gawli has announced his retirement from international football today. The 31 year old seasoned defender informed the All India Football Federation in a letter about his decision.
“It is delightful and so appropriate to have a perfect farewell to my international career on winning the SAFF Championship 2011 which is more heartening,” Mahesh wrote in his letter to the AIFF.
“Football is a demanding sport. I have played at the highest level for 14-15 years and once you play for your country, you need to achieve continuously. I feel I’ve had enough of international football. From my personal side, I feel I’ve achieved quite a lot and it’s time for me to stop now and focus entirely on club football. I have consulted my family and it’s an unanimous decision,” Mahesh told to the-aiff.com.
Talking about the highlights in his international career, Mahesh said: “For me each and every match which I played for India has been a cherished moment. After all, not all get a chance to represent your country. I’ve been a member of many winning squads but the triumph in the AFC Challenge Cup has to stay on the top of the list. Besides, representation in the 2011 Asian Cup is something which I will carry all throughout with me.”
The Dempo SC player made his debut for the Indian national team in 1997 and has been capped 82 times for his country.
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