Otamendi Announces His Retirement from the Argentina National Team

Nicolas Otamendi has retired from international football, ending a 17-year spell with Argentina.

The 38-year-old confirmed the decision on his official Instagram account and said the World Cup final was his last match for the Albiceleste. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in that game, missing out on defending their title.

Otamendi described the announcement as the hardest statement of his career. He said he left with his head held high because Argentina had fought until the final second.

He also thanked Argentina for allowing him to live out the dream of becoming world champion.

Otamendi is regarded as one of the most successful defenders in Argentina's history. His international career stretched across 17 years and ended with that final at the World Cup.