Algeria loses two more stalwarts

4 May 2012 02:28

Two of Algeria's 2010 World Cup qualification heroes, Nadir Belhadj and Karim Matmour, have joined Antar Yahia in retiring.

Two days after Yahia's retired from international football, Belhadj and Matmour have also put an end to their time representing Algeria.

According to Echorouk, Belhadj had made his choice known to coach Vahid Halilhodzic before Algeria’s most recent 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia but the Franco-Bosnian told him to consider his decision further before making it official.

While the former Portsmouth's player choice did not come as a major surprise considering his declining number of appearances at international level as of late, Matmour's departure was relatively unexpected.

Matmour is only 26-year-old and many consider he still has plenty to offer the national team who are about to embark on 2014 World Cup qualifying this summer.

In a statement, the Eintracht Frankfurt striker wants to focus on his club career as the main reason for his choice.