Nigerian footballer and Chelsea defender, Victor Moses, 27, has announced his retirement from international football after making 37 appearances for Nigeria.
The news will come as a shock to most Nigerian football lovers, as Moses who is only 27 made his Super Eagles debut only in 2012.
In a statement he released on Wednesday, Moses said he experienced lots of good memories with the national team but conceded the time had come for him to focus on his club career and his young family, while also allowing rising stars stake a claim on the Eagles shirt.
“I would like to announce that after much thought I have made the decision to retire from playing international football,” he said.
“I have experienced some of the best moments of my life wearing the Super Eagles shirt and have memories with me that will last a lifetime. Nothing will ever compete to what it felt like to represent Nigeria on behalf of our country.
“However I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on club career and my young family as well as to allow the next generation of Super Eagles stars the opportunity to step up and to flourish. We are blessed as a nation to have so many exciting young players coming through and now is their time.
“There are so many highlights that stand out for me over the years; from making my debut, to playing in two World Cups and being a part of the team to win the African Nations Cup for first time for our nation since 1994 being just a few of them. I have already spoken to the manager by telephone and would like to say thank you to him and his staff, the NFF and all of my teammates for all of their support over the years.
“Most importantly I would like to say thank you to the Nigerian people for believing in me and supporting me over the years. It’s meant the world to me and my family and I will always be a proud Nigerian supporting the team. Thank you for the memories and good luck to the team for the future.”
The announcement took football lovers by storm and has attracted reactions from fans on the social media. Here are a few of the reactions:
Strange decision by Victor Moses to retire from international football.There is a lot excitement & promise around this set of Eagles & they could go on to do great thin.But he has a family now & the opportunity cost of those international breaks is family time.We will miss him.
— Babanla (@biolakazeem) August 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/ani_nomso/status/1029762687922843649
Why is Victor Moses retiring at at time Nigerians needs him the most.
Our football team has improved and we're getting better at each tournament.He is just 27…
Ronaldo is 33 but still playing international footballVictor Moses is a young talent and I'm disappointed
— Angel.Gabriel 👼 (@Okom_UGabriel) August 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/dabbynwa/status/1029766923242889216
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