Nepali national football team captain Anil Gurung got an emotional farewell after he brought an end to his decade-long international football career after a goalless draw to Philippines in the AFC Asian Cup Group ‘F’ qualifying match at the Anfa Complex in Satdobato on Tuesday.

Gurung, 31, who appeared as a 81st minute replacement of Sujal Shrestha, also reached 50th cap milestone in the national jersey. The striker was tossed in the air by his teammate during the farewell ceremony before All Nepal Football Association (Anfa) president Narendra Shrestha presented him with a blazer and offered garlands.

Other Anfa officials also joined Shrestha to bid him adieu at the artificial turf of Anfa headquarters amidst applauds from the supporters, officials of the football governing body and others.

“It is an emotional moment for me. I am both happy as well as sad and the football governing body’s farewell was more than what I was expecting,” said the product of Sahara Academy, who marked his debut for the national team during 2007 World Cup Qualifiers against Oman. Gurung, however said that he will continue playing domestic football. He is currently the captain of ‘A’ division side Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC).   

“I cannot exactly express my feelings right now. Football has changed my life and given me name and fame,” said the teary-eyed striker who has nine international goals under his belt. “I think I have given as much as I could to the team.” Gurung was promoted to captain since 2015 Saff Championship in Trivandrum, India. But following Saff campaign, he got very less playing time and has been in and out of the team. He was excluded from Nepal’s last two matches against Tajikistan. 

He is also the only player other than Rohit Chand among contemporary footballers to ply his trade in the  Indian top-tier I-League. He joined Shillong Lajong in the 2009-10 season before making appearance in the domestic top-tier football from Brigade Boys Club in 2004. He later joined Three Star Club, MMC and New Road Team before settling at the MMC. He is also one of the top earning athletes of the country. 

Gurung also expressed frustration over irregular domestic football as there has not been top-tier league for the last four seasons. “Domestic football is key to the development of game and production of new players,” Gurung added.