Everton manager, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-c10409 Moyes, has turned down the notion that he forced Steven Pienaar to announce his retirement from International football.
Following months of rumours surrounding the South African International’s future in the national team, Pienaar finally but all the speculations to bed, as he called it quits to his international career.
The prolific midfielder had earlier turned down a call up from the Bafana Bafana boss, Gordon Igesund, forcing many to believe that he would soon draw curtains on his career.
According to some surmises, his decision came as a result of pressure from club manager, Moyes, who wants him to focus solely on his http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019 duties.
Nonetheless, the Scott moved to dispel this impression.
He insisted that he has never discouraged any of his players from competing at the international stage, and Pienaar had taken the decision of his own accord.
“We had no input into http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Steven-Pienaar-c34208’s decision to retire from international football,” he told the reporters in an interview.
“I have never discouraged any player from playing for his national team, in fact I encourage it. Steven has made his own decision and we support him in whatever he chooses to do.”
Meanwhile, Pienaar revealed that he was truly honoured to have represented and led the South African team.
He said that the time had come for him to make way for the emerging young players, and was confident that the team have got a bright future ahead of them.
“I am proud to have represented and captained my country. There is a lot of very good young talent coming through and perhaps it is time for them to be given an opportunity. I wish the coaching staff and the players all the very best for the future,” he
told the reporters.
The midfielder, who made his international debut against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/South-Africa-c757 in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups and has also got 2 goals under his belt.
Tottenham Hotspur defender, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bongani-Khumalo-c7836, has now been handed over the captain’s armband by Igesund.
Tags: