Reading's Ivar Ingimarsson has announced his retirement from international football.
Defender retires from representing Iceland
Reading's Ivar Ingimarsson has announced his retirement from international football.
The 30-year-old has tallied 26 caps for Iceland, and has opted to call it a day after deciding that it would be in his best interest to concentrate on club football.
Ingimarsson openly admits that his recent form for The Royals has been below his usual standard, and he hopes the decision will assist him in recapturing his sturdy displays.
"I have said before I don't think I am playing as well as I did last year," he told the
Evening Post.
"That is why I wasn't in the team a few weeks ago. I was happy with the level I was at last year and it's obviously no secret that I am not playing to that standard now. Everyone can see it.
Honesty
"I have played nearly every game for the last three years. I have been coming back recently from playing two international games when some of the other lads had a rest and that is why I have decided to stop playing for my country.
"I had decided I would stop playing months ago when the campaign had finished.
"But the manager has been replaced and now with the new man in charge I thought it was only fair that I tell him of my decision now rather than leave it until after the Denmark game.
"I was happy to play, but obviously he has to plan for the long-term, so it has been decided I won't play, which I can understand. I think he appreciated my honesty.
"I have loved playing for my country, but Reading pay my salary. It has taken me a long time to reach the Premier League and I want to make the most of it.
"I am hoping Reading will benefit from this decision. I know other people have quit international football and it has helped them."
Coppell approval
Reading boss Steve Coppell believes Ingimarsson's decision will benefit the club.
"It has to be good for us. I know he was thinking about it for a while," he said.
"It is better to finish at the top than be shepherded out. I'm not saying that is the case because he is well capable of playing international football still."
