Russia's Ignashevich and Samedov retire after quarterfinal exit at the World Cup

Russia's Ignashevich and Samedov retire after quarterfinal exit at the World Cup

- The Russia's central defender announced his retirement after the quarter-final defeat to Croatia

- Sergei Ignashevich scored from the penalty spot during the penalty shootout

- The 38-year-old defender earned 127 caps and scored eight times for his country during a 16-year international career

Russia’s most capped player Sergei Ignashevich has retired from the game following the host nation’s failure to reach the semifinals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

According to a UK Sun report, the hard tackling defender is leaving after earning 127 appearances as well as netting eight times, during his 16-year sojourn with Russia's Sbornaya.

Reacting moments Russia were sent packing by Croatia via penalty shoot-out, the 38-year-old Ignashevich said: "This was my last World Cup, my last tournament and the last match of my soccer career.

Russia's Sergei Ignashevich being consoled by Croatia's Vida after their quarterfinal exit at the ongoing World Cup. Photo Credit: Getty images
Russia's Sergei Ignashevich being consoled by Croatia's Vida after their quarterfinal exit at the ongoing World Cup. Photo Credit: Getty images.

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"If it wasn't for the World Cup, I think I would have ended (my career) earlier.

"The World Cup was a strong motivation of me. I feel joy, a feeling of peace because I am ending on a high note.

"I am playing at the World Cup. I am playing on a great team with a great coach, a real coach, and with players who give themselves fully to the game."

Interestingly, Ignashevich was one of Russia’s penalty shooters in the 4-3 loss to Croatia’s Blazers and also netted from the spot in their victory against Spain’s La Roja.

"Anything can happen in soccer. But here no one was dissatisfied, not in the dressing room and not on the pitch.

"I plan to receive a coaching licence in December. I would like to become a coach, a good coach,” he added.

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Russia's Ignashevich and teammate retire after quarterfinal exit at the World Cup
Russia's Alexander Samedov (r) in action against Croatia in their quarterfinal clash on Saturday. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

In addition, Ignashevich's teammate Alexander Samedov equally revealed his international retirement.

"I've decided that it's time for me to go. This was my last match for the national team,” the midfielder submitted.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously had reported that host nation Russia have been bundled out of the on going World Cup after losing 4-3 on penalties to Croatia on Saturday, July 7, in their quarterfinal game.

The regulation time ended 2-2 before Croatia sealed their qualification to the last four of the tournament winning on penalties.

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Source: Legit.ng

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