Written by GlorygloryManUtd
As time goes by, I become more and more disillusioned with international football. It has gotten to the stage now where I am genuinely disappointed when the international weekends roll around as it means a sustained period with no premiership action. I am not an unpatriotic individual, nor do I wish anything but good things upon my international team. However, international football just doesn’t have the same appeal anymore. This is obviously the same for many footballers, as more and more quit the international scene to focus more on their club.
I remember watching the opening weekend of the premiership this season and being staggered at how much more enjoyable it was than the World Cup. Then, as a United fan, you look at what quitting England has done for someone like Scholes. It has given him a new lease of life. He will return after this international break refreshed, recharged and full of energy. Rio and Rooney will be tired, despondent and frustrated. Rio said prior to the disappointing draw with Montenegro:
“You can’t retire from England. I can’t,” Rio said.
“I respect other people’s decisions but I love playing for England.
“To stop doing it would take a big chunk out of my footballing life.
“Unless I am physically incapable of doing it, it is something I would not consider.”
This was on the back of suggestions that he should focus on his club career rather than retain the English captaincy. His injury problems have been prolific and well documented. I respect his decision to want to play for his country but it may hinder him in the long run. His body is clearly not what it was and the years of wear and tear have caught up with him. If its not his back, it is his groin.
I’m not saying all United players should just retire from international duty, not at all. But for someone like Rio, it could really benefit his career and provide him with a couple of extra years playing time. It would be excruciating to see him get injured playing for England after the long recovery. He has shored up our defence since his return and no mater what anyone says, he is still a class act. Personally, I would love to see him focus on United for the next couple of years but then again, I’m not English so its not really a fair gauge. I am really interested to hear other people’s thoughts on this: Would you like to see Rio retire from international duty?
