MOSCOW: Russia’s most-capped player Sergei Ignashevich announced his retirement from soccer on Sunday after the hosts were eliminated by Croatia on penalties in the World Cup quarter-final hours earlier.
The 38-year-old defender, who spent his entire club career at Russian clubs, was a key member of Russia’s run to the last eight at their home tournament, having played in each of their five matches.
According to world soccer’s governing body FIFA he earned a total of 127 caps, scoring nine goals, and holding the record for most international appearances by any Russian player. Ignashevich also captained CSKA Moscow to the 2005 UEFA Cup title.
“This was my last World Cup, my last tournament and the last match of my soccer career. If it wasn’t for the World Cup, I think I would have ended (my career) earlier,” Ignashevich said in a video posted on social media.
Australian professional golfers Hannah Green , and Grace Kim. — AFP/File LOS ANGELES: After two days of shooting...
Francesco Bagnaia holding off Marc Marquez in a thriller at Jerez. — AFP/FileJEREZ, Spain: Reigning MotoGP champion...
Albanian footballer Edon Zhegrova celebrates during the match. — AFP/FileLILLE: Zhegrova came from a goal down to...
Olympic gold medallist Gabby Douglas. — AFP/FilePARIS: Three-times Olympic gold medallist Gabby Douglas returned to...
Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates during the match. — AFP/File PARIS: Paris St Germain were held to a...
National Stadium Karachi. — APP/FileKARACHI: The deserted look that the National Bank Stadium presented during the...