The former and veteran Saudi Arabia, Yasser Al-Qahtani, announced his retirement from international football on Thursday. He said he will send a letter of retirement to head of the Union of Saudi football.
“With deep regret and sadness, I announce my desire to retire internationally,” the 29-year-old posted to his personal Twitter account. “I want to give younger players an opportunity to compete, because I believe the team needs to continue to rebuild over the next ten years.” He added.
Thankfully I have achieved my dreams and I had the honor to elected as the member of team. I reached to many titles with the team. But I’m now reached fully convinced that what is true for me from a dream satisfactory for me is so great. After a loss to qualify for the World Cup next I see that the team needs to rebuild generation. ” He declared.
Yasser had 94 appearences for Saudi Arabia national team scoring 44 goals. The last international goal of Al-Qahtani was scored in front of China on June 4, 2009 in a friendly match. He also played in 2006 FIFA World Cup.
The striker was one of his country’s most prolific scorers in 100 appearances. After earning a share of the Golden Boot in the 2007 Asian Cup, Al-Qahtani went on to be named that year’s Asian Player of the Year.
Al-Qahtani has four goals in 12 appearances for UAE Pro League-leading Al Ain so far this season.
In 2005, he became the most expensive Footballer in the history of Saudi Arabia moving to Al-Hilal for a record 23 million SR.