Indian National Team: Mahesh Gawli Retires From International Football

Mahesh Gawli announced his retirement from International football on Monday. With 82 caps under his belt, the Dempo SC defender in his official communication to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) thanked his coaches, team-mates and the fans who stood by him throughout.

 “It is delightful and so appropriate to have a perfect farewell to my international career on winning the SAFF Championship which is more heartening.” Gawli added that he will continue to play club football for 5-6 years.   

Speaking shortly after announcing his retirement, the 31 year old defender spoke about his decision to retire. He explained, “Football is a demanding sport. I have played at the highest level for 14-15 years and once you play for your country, you need to achieve continuously.

“I feel I’ve had enough of International Football. From my personal side, I feel I’ve achieved quite a lot and it’s time for me to stop now and focus entirely on club football. I have consulted my family and it’s an unanimous decision.”

Gawli reflecting on his time with the national team, mentioned that his sweetest memory was to qualify for the Asian Cup in 2008 when India won the Challenge Cup. He stated, “For me each and every match which I played for India has been a cherished moment. After all, not all get a chance to represent your country. I’ve been a member of many winning squads but the triumph in the AFC Challenge Cup has to stay on the top of the list. Besides, representation in the 2011 Asian Cup is something which I will carry all throughout with me.”

The Dempo SC defender also revealed who his most favoured central defensive partners were. He said, " Robert Fernandes is one from whom I’ve learnt a lot. He stays one of my personal favourite as a partner in defence. And there’s Deepak Mondal.The telepathy between us was amazing. He has always been a class act."

"Speaking of forwards, there’s always a certain IM Vijayan and a Bhaichung Bhutia. They always made the task difficult for defenders."

The former FC Kochin player also gave his views on who were the likely candidates to replace him in the national team in the long run. He revealed, “Prayag United’s Arnab Mondal is playing well at the moment. He’s tough yet confident. Then, there’s Raju Gaikwad and Dempo’s Cressan Antao. Gouramangi Moirangthem is a senior pro now and stays the guiding force for all.

“ I’d love to see Anwar Ali make a comeback into the National squad. Besides, Ravanan, Anas Edathodika and Gurwinder Singh are also talented youngsters,” he concluded.