Argentina’s defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football after more than 17 years of service. Otamendi, who earned 139 caps and achieved success in the FIFA World Cup and two Copa America tournaments with Argentina, described bidding farewell to the national team as the toughest moment of his career.
A key figure in Argentina’s successful era, Otamendi participated in four FIFA World Cups, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most distinguished defenders. Expressing his emotions, Otamendi shared, “Today I have to write the hardest words of my entire career. I dreamed from a very young age of wearing the Argentina national team jersey; it was the greatest privilege football ever gave me. I defended it with my soul, with pride, and with the responsibility of knowing what it means to millions of Argentines.”
Otamendi’s final match for Argentina was in the FIFA World Cup final against Spain, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat in extra time. Despite the loss, Otamendi expressed pride in the team’s efforts, stating, “Fate willed that my final match would be a World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high knowing that this group tried until the very last second. I say goodbye with the peace of mind of having left everything out on the pitch.”
Having recently concluded a successful European career with clubs like Porto, Valencia, Manchester City, and Benfica, Otamendi has returned to Argentina to join River Plate.
