(Montreal) Former captain of the Canadian men’s soccer team, Scott Arfield, announced his retirement from the national team on Sunday evening on his Instagram account.
Posted at 9:32 p.m.
The 33-year-old midfielder has worn the maple leaf 19 times and scored two goals.
“It is with a heavy heart that the time has come for me to retire from the national team,” he said on Instagram. I enjoyed every minute I spent on the court representing Canada. I am extremely proud of the opportunities and experiences that have been made possible for me both on and off the field. »
Arfield did not specify why he was leaving the Canadian team. He hasn’t played for Canada since November 2019, however, focusing on his health, family and club career.
On the international scene, he notably participated in two editions of the Gold Cup.
Of Scottish origin, Arfield was named captain of the Canadian team in 2018 by head coach John Herdman. He replaced Atiba Hutchinson when the latter focused on his career with the Besiktas club in Turkey.
“His passion for the game was contagious and it helped establish good guidelines for our team,” Herdman said. He led this team to the success they are getting in this FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle. »
The Canadian selection will resume service on January 27, in Honduras.
Canada will host the United States in Hamilton on January 30.
The maple leaf sits atop the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament with one point ahead of the United States and two ahead of Mexico.
On the professional side, Arfield won the Scottish Championship with Glasgow Rangers in 2020-21 and the second division of the English Championship with Burnley FC in 2015-16. He also spent three seasons in the Premier League (English first division).