Russia’s Worldcup superstar Igor Akinfeev has decided to retire from international football. After 14 years and 111 caps for Russia, the 32-year-old told he will be focusing on his club duties with CSKA Moscow. He captained Russia in World Cup 2018 will now give way to his younger colleagues. Akinfeev made his debut for Russia in 2004 and was a member of the national squad with reached the semis of Euro 2008. He played for Russia in Brazil 2014 Fifa Worldcup.
“Every story has its beginning and its end. So, my story with the national team has come to its logical conclusion,” he said in a statement on CSKA’s website.
“It was a great honor for me to captain Russia’s national side at a home World Cup. I hadn’t even dreamt it could happen. But it has happened and it was probably the peak of my career.”
“I leave with a clear conscience. A young and promising generation (of players) has appeared in Russia,” he added. “We must believe in our youth and support them.”
In the Fifa World Cup 2018, Russia under Akinfeev reached the last eight before losing out to eventual finalists Croatia in the penalty shoot-out. Akinfeev starred in Russia’s penalty victory over Spain.
