It was an open secret, but now Mexican midfielder Andres Guardado has officially retired from international football. After 16 years with the senior side, the 36-year-old has called time on his Mexico career.
The Real Betis midfielder leaves the international game with an impressive record of 28 goals in 179 appearances for Mexico. That includes scoring for his country in every single calendar year from 2005 to 2022.
Goodbye message from Guardado
The player himself has confirmed the news with a video clip which includes a montage of his time as a player, as well as messages of thanks to the fans and his teammates. He accompanied the brief film with a statement on social media.
“I had said it a long time ago, but I had not stopped to say thank you for everything I have experienced in these 16 years with the Mexican national team…. It is impossible to express in words how grateful and privileged I feel”, wrote Guardado.
“My heartfelt thanks to all those who accompanied me and who had the good fortune to share moments with me during this beautiful dream…. All my teammates, the different coaching staff, all the staff who are a very important part of the day to day and of course all the loyal fans who accompanied me during all these years and now I am just one more of you, THANK YOU!
“Today the dream comes to an end, the dream of a child that came true and that had adversities, sadness and disappointments along the way, which I would be willing to go through again in order to embrace the glory of defending for several years and with pride the jersey of many, the green one, the one of El Tri.”
Andres Guardado’s record for Mexico
Guardado leaves international football as a legend of the Mexican national team and holding its record for appearances made. He is also part of an elite band of players who have played at five World Cups, along with Antonio Carbajal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Guillermo Ochoa and Lothar Matthaus.
The left-sided player featured at Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
Guardado also helped Mexico lift four trophies: the Gold Cup in 2011, 2015 and 2015, and the CONCACAF Cup in 2015.