By Daily Sports on October 2, 2018

Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is retiring from international soccer after leading the national side as captain to this year’s World Cup quarterfinals on home soil.

The 32-year-old CSKA Moscow player’s acrobatic penalty saves captivated home crowds and helped Russia to their best tournament finish since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

“There is a beginning and an end to every story,” Akinfeev was quoted as saying on CSKA’s website. “My story with the national team has also reached its logical end.”

Akinfeev earned 112 caps for his country since his debut in 2004 as an 18-year-old, according to the Russian Football Union.

The highlight of his international career came at this year's World Cup hosted by Russia.

“It was a great honour for me to lead the Russian team as captain at the World Cup,” he said.

 “Honestly I couldn’t have dreamt of it. But it happened and probably was the peak of my career with the national team.”

Akinfeev played a key role in helping his team reach the quarter-finals, where they lost 4-3 to Croatia in a penalty shootout.

•Adapted from a Supersport report. Photo shows Akinfeev

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 2, 2018

French Women’s Team Moves Out of Training Camp...

Falconets Face Algeria in African Games Semi-Final •Oshoala...

Dortmund Overcome Haaland Absence To Reach Last 16...

U17 Women: Hae Yon breaks Flamingoes' hearts

NFF didn’t sack me – Waldrum

Edo Queens, Ratels clash in N60m BOWFT opener...