MEXICO CITY (AP) 鈥� Mexico goalkeeper said Thursday he will retire from the national team after the and that the tournament could also mark the end of his playing career.
Ochoa, who will turn 41 during the World Cup, has appeared in the and is expected to be called for a sixth, although his place on the roster has not been officially confirmed.
The goalkeeper, who plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, said in an interview with TUDN that his departure from the national team is a certainty and that his full retirement 鈥渃ould also be on the cards.鈥�
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre announced a partial roster with two goalkeepers from Liga MX and left a spot open for a third who plays abroad. Although he didn鈥檛 name him, Ochoa is the only one who has been called up for recent matches.
鈥淩etiring is undoubtedly difficult, but in my case it won鈥檛 be so hard because I鈥檝e enjoyed it for so many years, for so long,鈥� Ochoa told the network. 鈥淭here comes a point when your mind and body say, 鈥榊ou鈥檝e given it your all,鈥� and you leave peacefully, and that鈥檚 going to be my case.鈥�
Ochoa is currently one of four Mexicans to have appeared in five World Cups, along with Antonio Carbajal, Rafael M谩rquez, and Andr茅s Guardado.
Ochoa could join Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in appearing in a sixth World Cup.
Ochoa was the starter at the past three World Cups. For now, he seems to be considered as Ra煤l 鈥淭ala鈥� Rangel鈥檚 backup.
Mexico is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada.
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