Getting the call to represent your country is the ultimate crowning achievement for any professional athlete. For the lucky few that earn this honour, the accolade culminates a lifetime of hard work and determination.
But, there comes a time when a player must decide when to pull the plug and call it quits on their international career, especially now that the physical demands in football are a lot greater than in previous years. The grueling travel demands that accompanies a jam packed football calendar year eventually takes its toll. Some decide to concentrate strictly on their club career to avoid picking up extra injuries that could potentially hinder their shelf life in the game. Others simply prefer the added break to spend with their families and recharge their batteries after years of loyal service.
The body can only take a certain amount of punishment before it starts to slowly deteriorate and break down. Footballers have a relatively small window when they’re at their peak physically, the mental aspect of the game takes over thereafter to compensate. Usually between the ages of 30-34 is when a player starts to think about the future and prioritizes accordingly. Some decide to go out on top but others try and extend the journey sometimes to a fault. Stepping aside is always tough decision to realize.
To read the entire article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/01/euro2012_five-last_shot_players/
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