33-year-old defender Truong Dinh Luat has rejected calls to join the national team in competing at the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers, announcing his retirement yesterday instead.

Defender Truong Dinh Luat

The team of 23 players has been summoned to Hanoi on March 20. Luat, from HCM City FC, is the oldest and most experienced member of the team.

He has already spoken with coach Nguyen Huu Thang about his retirement and has received his approval.

Luat attributed his withdrawal to his age, which could prevent him from doing a good job for his club and the national squad, saying it was time for the younger players to take the lead.

Luat is the third veteran player to say goodbye to the national team after the ASEAN Football Federation Cup last December. 

The other two were captain Le Cong Vinh and his deputy Pham Thanh Luong.

Luat has talked about his plans following the Cup, but his official announcement was made yesterday.

He has been a familiar face on the national team since 2006 and made 45 appearances for Viet Nam. 

VNS