Aidil Zafuan, Safiq announce decision to quit national team

International Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak today said he has decided to retire from the National team.

Aidil Zafuan in a statement uploaded on Johor Southern Tigers' official Facebook said his decision was to allow younger players to play a more prominent role in the National team.

"I (Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak) hereby announce my decision to retire from National duty after earning 68 caps since 2007. My decision will give young players a chance to play for the country," he said in the statement.

The Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) defender said he was happy and satisfied with his thrills and spills with the National squad, especially winning the SEA Games gold in 2009.

He also thanked the fans, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and coaches for their support throughout his tenure with the National squad.

Aidil Zafuan's last assignment as a National player was during the Oceania Tour when he was picked as the skipper for the match against Fiji on June 26, which eventually ended in a 1-1 draw at the Prince Charles Park Stadium in Nadi, Fiji.

Meanwhile, National skipper Safiq Rahim also announced his immediate retirement from National duty at the age 29.

Safiq who has 66 caps under his belt also posted his decision to retire on the same Facebook and said the time had come for him to retire and give other players a chance to take over his role.