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Cultured midfielder Mehtab Hossain has announced his retirement from International football. Hossain, who played for Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters in its inaugural season, was omitted from Indian team’s 26-man probables for the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Nepal.
Hossain is primarily a deep-lying playmaker, who can also put in a shift as a defensive midfielder. He has represented India 32 times in his career and scored 2 goals for the national team. Ironically, both his goals came in a single match against Nepal in the South Asian Football Federation Cup back in 2005, which India won 2-1.
Would love to be a part of a farewell match for me: Hossain
He said that he wants to give chances to younger players and cited the accumulation of matches as the reason behind his decision.
The 29-year-old also mentioned that he felt liked by the previous coach, Wim Koevermans, and does not feel the same way with new Indian football team coach Stephen Constantine. He admitted that he will convey the news to All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Constantine in a mail soon.
He, however, wanted to play at least 15 minutes in a farewell match for India and hoped that his final request will be adhered to by the AIFF.
Hossain’s retirement will come as a shock for the fans of the Indian national football team as he is one of the few Indian players whose playing style is similar to the Spanish style of play – quick passing and keeping possession.
The Bengali will, however, continue to play club football with current club East Bengal, the team he has been with since 2007. Apart from East Bengal, he has represented ONGC, Mohun Bagan and Tollygunge Agragami.
