Gonzalo Higuain retires: Argentina striker hangs up international boots 'to the delight of many'

The 31-year-old, who joined Chelsea in January on a loan deal from Juventus, scored 31 goals in 75 appearances for the Albiceleste, with his last match a 2-1 win over Nigeria in the World Cup last June

Gonzalo Higuain has retired from international football (Getty Images)

Gonzalo Higuain has taken a shot at his critics as he announced his retirement from international football with Argentina.

The 31-year-old, who joined Chelsea in January on a loan deal from Juventus, scored 31 goals in 75 appearances for the Albiceleste, with his last match a 2-1 win over Nigeria in the World Cup last June.

For many Higuain's time with the national team will be remembered for high-profile misses in both the Copa America and World Cup finals with many critics now seemingly not too unhappy to see him walk away.

Explaining his decision in an interview with Fox Sports, Higuain said: "My time with Argentina is over. Thinking things through in depth, my time is up.

"To the delight of many, now I will only look at it from the outside. I have spoken to (manager Lionel) Scaloni and told him my point of view.

"I've made the decision because I want to enjoy my family, I want to spend time with my daughter, and at the same time, I feel that I gave my country everything I could."

Higuain, who has scored three goals in 10 appearances since joining Chelsea towards the end of January, added: "I'm fully focused on my commitment to Chelsea.

"The Premier League is amazing and I really want to enjoy it. It's very competitive indeed."

PA