Mahesh Gawli retires from international football

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.