Harambee Stars'skipper Victor Wanyama has retired from international football after 14 years of service for the nation.
Wanyama in a statement recalled his dream of wearing the national colours and fulfilling that burning desire.
"While growing up, it was always my dream to get the chance to represent my country," he stated.
"From making my debut against Nigeria to captaining the team at the African Cup of Nations, in Egypt, these past 14 years have gone beyond what I ever thought was possible," he added.
"But all good things must come to an end and after long consideration, I have made a really difficult decision to retire from international football," Wanyama disclosed in a statement that will not come as a surprise to many football followers in the country.
Wanyama, an indispensable part of the national team for the last decade and a half, was excluded in the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Uganda and Rwanda by no less a coach who had handed him his international initiation, Jacob Ghost Mulee.
This snub given his influence on the national team was a vital sign that football mandarins were looking beyond the Montreal Impact star as they plotted Stars future.
Wanyama has now set his focus on his club career in the Major Soccer League but revealed he would still be a strong supporter for Kenya and would still remain actively engaged in the game.
"I hope to one day return to help the federation off the field but until then, I will still be Harambee Stars biggest supporter," he concluded.
It's not clear if Wanyama talked to new Stars coach Engin Firat before deciding to hang up his boots at least in the international arena.
The 30-year-old played for Stars 64 times scoring seven goals.
