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Climax was rested: Medeira

Last Updated 01 February 2012, 15:57 IST

 National football coach Savio Medeira on Wednesday clarified that he has rested Climax Lawrence and not dropped him, a decision that prompted the veteran midfielder to announce his retirement from international football.

Hurt at being ignored from the 30-men probables for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal, Climax on Tuesday decided to end his decade-long international career.

“I didn’t drop him, I rested him. In a tournament such as the AFC Challenge Cup, you have to play every alternate day.

“The recovery time stays minimal. He has been playing regularly in the I-League and for the last decade, his body has taken a toll. Hence, he didn’t figure in my plans for the AFC Challenge Cup. I did speak to him prior to my decision,” Medeira said.

The national coach, under whom India won the SAFF Championship last December, said the player can always come back from retirement.

“I’ve heard Climax has announced his retirement. But to me retirement is just a word. There have been so many players who have come out of retirement to play again. He would be playing club football in any case. If he stays physically and mentally tough, he can always play for the nation,” he said.

Talking about the defending champions’ chance in AFC Challenge Cup, Medeira said, “Such tournaments are very tricky. A good start can always work wonders. We need to stay in the right frame of mind and stay free of injuries.”

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(Published 01 February 2012, 15:57 IST)

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