Sinthaweechai quits Thailand
Goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool announced his retirement from international football after Thailand’s 2-1 loss to Australia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Sinthaweechai ended his international career on a high note as he made several fine saves against the Socceroos in Melbourne in Thailand’s last qualifying game for the 2018 World Cup.
“I had thought about retiring from international football for a long time,” said Sinthaweechai, who will continue playing for his Thai League 1 club Suphanburi FC.
“Today is a good time for me to announce that I am quitting the national team.”
The 35-year-old from Sakhon Nakhon played for the Thai national team for 14 years.
Formerly known as “Kosin”, Sinthaweechai played for Thailand at the U17 World Cup in 1999 before receiving a callup to the senior national team in 2003.
He won two SEA Games gold medals in 2003 and 2005, and was a member of the Thai team that lifted the Suzuki Cup (Southeast Asian championship) last year.
“To play for the national team had been my dream since I was young. Fourteen years is quite a long time. I am happy with every minute that I played for the national team,” he said.
In the past few years, Sinthaweechai was not in the starting line-up for Thailand. He only started against Australia because firstchoice goalkeeper, Kawin Thamsatchanan, was injured.
“Representing your country is an honour,” said Sinthaweechai.
“I feel more proud playing for the country than winning trophies with my club. I hope one day I will return to the national team in another role.”
Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Somyot Poompunmuang said he would arrange a testimonial match for the goalkeeper.
“I was shocked when I first heard that Sinthaweechai was quitting the national team,” said Pol Gen Somyot.
“The FAT would like to thank Sinthaweechai who is a good leader and who has set a good example for young players. We will organise a testimonial match for him.
As a national team star, Sinthaweechai played under 11 coaches including Peter Withe, Carlos Roberto Carvalho, Peter Reid, Bryan Robson, Winfried Schaefer, Kiatisak Senamuang and Milovan Rajevac.
“My brother, you are one of Thailand’s best ever goalkeepers,” Kiatisak wrote in his Instagram post.
“I hope to see one of the best goalkeeping coaches in the future.”