India defender Anas Edathodika announces retirement from international football

The centre-back was part of the squad that crashed out of the AFC Asian Cup following defeat to Bahrain on Monday.

Indian national team defender Anas Edathodika announces his retirement from international football as India bowed out of the Asian Cup group stage.

Anas had an illustrious career as a central defender in club football but he donned the national team jersey for only 19 times as he decides to hang up his boots. He was a late bloomer and made his national team debut in 2016 when he was 29 years old, in a match where India beat Cambodia with a close margin of 3-2.

The 31-year old went over social media to make this announcement after a day when India suffered a defeat against Bahrain and shockingly bowed out of the Asian Cup being rock bottom of their group.

 

It comes with a very heavy heart today to announce my retirement from Indian national football team. It’s been a very hard decision to take and accept. pic.twitter.com/D3ZohMLuZz

— Anas Edathodika (@anasedathodika) January 15, 2019

It was a long wait of 11 years that Anas got his chance to don the Indian colours and now he feels its better to allow other youngsters to take his place. The defender is often known for his telepathic communication and camaraderie between fellow centre back Sandesh Jhingan who is also his partner in crime at Kerala Blasters. Anas did not forget to mention him in his post as he expressed his love and brotherhood during the time the duo guarded the Indian backline.

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He also expressed his love for Indian forward Jeje Lalpekhlua who is his roommate and believes that the Mizo Sniper has a lot left in his armoury to make the country proud in future.

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Anas has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career and that till date haunted him, as he was unable to continue in India's final group fixture against Bahrain and was subbed off within the opening exchanges.

With the announcement, he also showed his gratitude to the staff, teammates and the fans for being there on this journey with him. He also took his moment to thank coach Stephen Constantine who has already handed his resignation to the AIFF.