Club Captain to focus on Gills career.
Gabriel Zakuani has retired from international Football.
The 32-year-old, who signed a new two-year deal at Priestfield over the summer, has played 29 times for the Democratic Republic of Congo over the last five years, featuring in three African Nations Cup tournaments during that period. Congo narrowly missed out on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup which took place in Russia earlier this year.
Over the course of the weekend the defender decided to solely focus on his club career.
Speaking to the club website he said: “I was still Captain so it was a tough one but I feel like I’ve played my role now, there are some young players coming through and I think it’s the right time.
“I can’t give 100% to both club and country and I feel like I’ve done my bit.
“I spoke to the manager last year, at that point we had a good chance of making the World Cup, and I said it would be ideal for me to retire after that.
“The other day I thought about it, I think I’ve done enough for my country and I don’t think retiring will hinder them.”
Read the rest of Gaby’s interview in Saturday’s match programme.