Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis is set to retire from international football with Argentina after Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.
Demichelis has earned 50 caps for his country, scoring twice, and played the full 90 minutes for Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Germany.
The 35-year-old said that he does not believe that he will be fit enough to play in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, even if current boss Gerardo Martino were to continue playing him.
The truth is that for me the next World Cup is far for my body and my mind. All this makes me say that this may be my last game. And if it is my last will be the best place for me, which is Cordoba, where I played a few times.
The centre-back is set to start the match because of suspensions for his City teammate Nicolas Otamendi and Everton’s Ramiro Funes Mori and says he will treat the match as though it is his last for his country.
As a matter of humility and because I am realistic of the situation, I have to be aware that it may be my last game,” he said. “And I want to experience the game that way.
Demichelis’ future at the Etihad Stadium is also uncertain, with the Argentine’s contract running out in the summer and no talks being held for an extension as of yet.
