Defensive midfielder Micheal Azira becomes the third player to announce retirement from the Uganda Cranes after Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and Denis Onyango in a space of one week.
The 33-year-old who plays for New Mexico United midfielder in the USL Championship (in the second division of American soccer) was part of the Uganda Cranes team at the previous two Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon (2017) and Egypt (2019).
“Please accept this letter as a notification that I wish to retire from playing for the national team effective April 14, 2021,” reads part of the letter addressed to the FUFA President Moses Magogo.
“Playing for the national team has been an honour and I am grateful for the opportunity you gave to me to represent my country and my family.
“I have enjoyed working with the federation and playing for the Uganda national team. Playing in two Africa Cup of Nations was one of the best moments with the Cranes. These memories will always stay with me and they will be cherished always.”
“I take this moment to thank all the coaches that I have worked with over the years and I also thank the fans who always supported us at home and on the road,” Azira added.
“I wish you all the best and I will continue to support the Cranes in any way possible.”
Azira retires having featured for the National Team on only ten occasions since making his debut in 2016.
