Ugandan defender Hassan Wasswa will no longer feature for the Cranes after calling it a day with the national team.
The 33-year-old who recently turned for Saudi Arabia outfit Jeddah FC featured for Cranes or 13 years.
While confirming the new development, Waswa admitted it was a difficult choice to make more so after asking those who were close to him but said it was a decision he was proud of.
“Today [Saturday] is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude,” read part of the statement from Wasswa.
“Playing for Cranes has been a tremendous honour. During my 13 years as a Cranes player, I’ve always pursued success and winning football games, while preparing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion, and perseverance.
“It has been an honour to represent my family, my teammates, and the people of Uganda.
“With much sadness but without regret, I realise I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demand.I say this with a heavy heart.
“I am retiring from the national team. I love the game of football so much, and I know there is truly only one acceptable way to play. Knowing I can no longer compete at a level that I find acceptable, I have chosen to end my Cranes career.
“This decision is mine alone, and although I know this will not bring me happiness, it is the right and honourable action to take at this time in my life. I cherished every moment of my time with the national team, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played. I anxiously look forward to the next Cranes engagement, but this time with the sole focus of being a great fan.”
He continued: “My parents provided me with the perfect combination of love and discipline, and taught me what hard work and persistence truly are. All that I am, and everything I have done, is because of them. Every time I put on that Cranes uniform, I have always strived to honour them and the principles they stand for, and I can only hope that I haven’t let them down.
“The coaches I have learned from and played for as a Cranes player have been nothing short of outstanding. It was an absolute privilege to play for all of them, from coach Lazio Csaba in 2006 to coach Jonathan McKinstry during my final time.
“All of the assistant coaches and entire technical team were absolutely devoted to helping me perform to the best of my abilities. Thank you for your effort and dedication. It was an honour to play for you.
“To my exceptional teammates, former and current, I owe you everything. I look forward to addressing you formally and privately at a later time, but please know that I love and respect all of you, and not having the opportunity to be around you is what will hurt most of all.
“Forming friendships and unbreakable bonds of trust on the field is what makes football so special and so important to me. When reminiscing on my Cranes career, I won’t think about games won or lost, but rather, I know I will think about you and the time we shared together, the trust and love we had for each other, and the unwavering willingness we had to help each other succeed.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“I thank Allah every day for all that he has given me: my family, my friends, my teammates, and for making me Ugandan. Today [Sunday], I would like to thank God for having been given an opportunity to play for Cranes, and for allowing me the privilege of a 13-year professional football career.”
Wasswa was part of Uganda Cranes squad at two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and his last assignment for the national team was in Egypt when the Cranes played against Senegal.
He made managed a total of 75 caps and was an unused substitute in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi in November last year.
His club career has seen him play for KCCA FC , SC Villa, St George, FC Cape Town, Karabukspor, Altay, Kayseri Erciyesspor, Dong Nai and Al Shorta.
He also played for Nejmeh Sporting Club, Tala’ea El Gaish and most recently, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
