Midfielder Joao Mario announced Sunday’s farewell to the Portugal national football team in a statement ahead of Roberto Martinez’s squad for the games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland.
“Given the stage I am going through in my career, and after deep, personal, thoughtful and honest reflection, I understand that now is the time to say goodbye to the national team,” the statement said.
A day after he became national champion with Benfica, João Mário said that “playing for Portugal has always been a privilege and a great honor.”
“Thank you also to the Portuguese fans who always supported me every time I wore this shirt. I will always be in the front row rooting for the national team. This is an emotional moment and I ask you to respect my decision.”
For the Kinas team, the 30-year-old midfielder played 56 matches and scored three goals, participating in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
João Mário was part of the first team of Portugal’s new coach, Spaniard Roberto Martínez, for the games against Liechtenstein, in which he was used in the final moments, and Luxembourg, in which he was an unused substitute.