Nicolás Otamendi Announces Retirement From International Football
Nicolás Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decorated career with Argentina 🇦🇷.
The 37-year-old defender shared an emotional farewell message on Thursday, calling it the “hardest words” of his career.
“Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team shirt. It was the greatest privilege football has ever given me. I defended it with all my heart, with pride, and with the responsibility of knowing what it means to millions of Argentinians.”
Otamendi said his final game came on the biggest stage possible — a World Cup final.
“Fate decided that my final match would be a World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high, knowing this group fought until the very last second.
I say goodbye with the peace of mind that I gave absolutely everything I had. I never held anything back, I never stopped believing, and I never stopped feeling that wearing this shirt was the greatest honor of my life.”
Thank You To The Fans And Family
The former Manchester City and Benfica center-back paid tribute to supporters and his family.
“Thank you to the Argentine fans. Thank you for your unconditional love, for every flag, every chant, and for standing by us through the good times and, above all, the difficult ones. You made us feel that every time the national anthem played, we weren’t just eleven players — we were millions of people fighting for the same dream.
Thank you to my family. You were my refuge after every setback and my strength through every challenge. You endured the distance, the time apart, the tears, and the frustrations. I never walked this path alone; every step, we took together.”
Message To The Next Generation.
Otamendi also left a message for the current Argentina squad.
“To those wearing this shirt today, I want to tell you something from the bottom of my heart: Never stop believing. There will be moments that seem impossible to overcome, but this shirt always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice, and love. Keep your heads high, keep fighting, and never let defeat take away your hope. I am convinced the next chapter of our story belongs to you.”
He closed with gratitude for winning the World Cup with Argentina.
“Today, I say goodbye to the Argentina national team, but with immense pride for having represented my country. Trophies remain in history, but the love for these colors lasts forever.
Thank you, Argentina. Thank you for allowing me to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion and wearing the most beautiful shirt in the world.”
Otamendi won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, along with two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. He earned 123 caps for the Albiceleste.