Mahesh Gawli retires from International Football

32 year old Mahesh Gawli has decided to end his international career for India just weeks after winning the 2011 South Asian Football Federation Championships in New Delhi. The defender informed the All India Football Federation of his decision through a letter in which he thanked the AIFF, his coaches and team mates, his clubs and fans for their support throughout his international career.

In the letter Mahesh Gawli wrote, "It is delightful and so appropriate to have a perfect farewell to my International career on winning the SAFF Championship 2012 which is more heartening." Gawli, currently playing for Dempo SC, added that he will continue to play club football for some 'more years'.

Mahesh is best known for being a top central defending pair with Deepak Kumar Mondal at club and country. The duo had a blind understanding in their haydays with Mahesh having won the LG Cup (Vietnam), Nehru Cups, SAFF Cups and the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.

Mahesh Gawli is a product of the Tata Football Academy ho has played in the club career for FC Kochin, Churchill Brothers SC, East Bengal Club, Mahindra United and Dempo SC until now.

Thanks Mahesh for everything!!!