5 players who should probably retire from international football soon
Representing one’s country on the international stage in any sporting event is a dream for many individuals. Many footballers work hard to realise this dream and some are talented enough to make the dream come true. However, there comes a time when players have to quit international football for varied reasons. In some cases, it may be because age is catching up with them, in others it is to make way for the younger generation to slowly settle into the team and it can even be because of diminished contributions to the side.Many world class players like Paul Scholes, Philipp Lahm and Per Mertesacker have retired early due to different reasons and here is a list of five famous players who should consider quitting international football at the earliest.
#1 Arjen Robben - Netherlands
Arjen Robben was an integral member of the Dutch squad that finished second and third at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup respectively. In fact, the Bayern Munich winger was one of the nominees for the Golden Ball award last year in Brazil. However, almost a year after their brilliant show in South America, the Oranje now find themselves out of contention for Euro 2016, even failing to qualify for the playoffs round.
Robben, aged 31, was one of the better performers for the Dutch side during their disastrous qualifying phase. But the Netherlands captain now needs to wait for Russia 2018 at least to represent his nation at a major tournament and that depends on the team qualifying for the tournament in the first place.
The former Chelsea winger has been at the receiving end of several injuries recently and last season he was out for around three months with two different injuries. He started the current season brightly before suffering another injury while he was away on international duty and this one has kept him out for nearly two months.
With age not on his side, his injury problems and Netherlands’ absence from Euro 2016, it would be wise if Robben pulls the plug on his international career to concentrate on his club career. If the Dutchman leaves now, it gives them enough time for a highly rated youngster, like Anwar Al Ghazi, to settle into the Dutch team in his place.