West Bromwich Albion midfielder Chris Brunt announced his retirement from international football earlier today so that he can focus purely on West Brom moving forward.
wba.co.uk carried his statement in full about the decision and you can click the link to read his full words.
The crux is obviously.
“I have spent a lot of time thinking it over but I feel, at this point in my career, I need my sole football focus to be on helping West Bromwich Albion return to the Premier League. After 14 years of international football this also gives me the opportunity to dedicate more time to my family.”
The 33-year-old brings the curtain down on his time with Northern Ireland after winning 65 caps for his country, scoring three goals across the 14 years he represented them on the international stage.
His final cap came against Switzerland last November – his international career began against Switzerland back in August 2004 as he made his debut – and he bows out sitting in 17th place on their all-time caps list.
I seem to have something in my eye ????
— Diane Rai (@daiseyrai) August 21, 2018
That must of been a hard decision for him.. how lucky are we to have him at our club.. ❤
— ???? Debbie ???? (@BaggieBird62) August 21, 2018
been amazing for NI absolutely gutted for him when he had the injury in the euros
— Simmo (@JackSimms1991) August 21, 2018
Their loss is our gain! The man is a legend for both us and northern Ireland
— Andy (@Andy76620323) August 21, 2018
good servant yes defiently not a captain, every game this season been the weakest link
— Adam (@baggielonglegs) August 21, 2018
Legend.
— TheRamblingMan (@straightgandalf) August 21, 2018
I second that ???? #WBA
— KJG ☆ (@KJG180) August 21, 2018
I’m not sure I’m on board with some of the reactions, I’m also not sure this was the place for gripes from games so far this season, especially as the group as a whole are improving on a performance front and results are following – but once a scapegoat, he’s an easy go-to.