Mike Azira Retires From Uganda Cranes Duty

Mike Azira has retired from international football with immediate effect following the Uganda Cranes failure to qualify for AFCON.

The defensive midfielder is the third player to call time on his Cranes career over the last four days.

Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango and defender Hassan Wasswa ended their international careers on Monday and last Saturday respectively.

The 33-year-old, who turns out for New Mexico United in the USL Championship (in the second division of American soccer), issued a statement addressed to FUFA today.

He stated:

“Please accept this letter as a notification that I wish to retire from the National Team effective 14th April 2021. Playing for the national (team) has been an honour and I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to represent my country and my family. I have enjoyed working with the federation and playing for the Uganda national team. Playing in two Africa Cup of Nations was one of the best moment with the Cranes. These memories will always stay with me and they will be cherished always. I take this moment to thank all the coaches that I have worked with over the years and I also thank our fans who always supported us at home and on the road. I wish you all the best and I will continue to support the Cranes in any way possible”.

He was part of Cranes at the 2017 and 2019 Nations Cup finals.

Azira primarily plays as a central midfielder. He can sit deep in front of the back four and dictate the tempo from there. He can also operate as an attacking midfielder. He is a footballer who has excellent dribbling and passing abilities. 

Lee Ray

Lee Ray is a qualified journalist dedicated to inform and update you with News, Gossip, Entertainment, Showbiz and Music!