Nuno Valente quits the national team

[Frank Cunha]

will never be forgoten, help us tremendous in the hero 04 and world cup 06

Valente Quits Portugal
Everton defender Nuno Valente has announced his retirement from international football after refusing to be included in Portugal's 2010 World Cup squad...
»Comments Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Valente, 34, declined an invitation to be named on a preliminary list of candidates to represent Portugal in South Africa in two years' time.

The call-up was something of a surprise given the former Porto player had not been selected for his country since the very early stages of EURO 2008 qualifying.

Valente has been an irregular starter since arriving at Goodison Park in 2005, with injuries and competition from Joleon Lescott limiting him to 45 Premier League games thus far.

And the ex-Sporting Lisbon full-back admitted that his decision to quit the Seleccao stems from his desire to focus on the Toffees.

“I’ve been very pleased to receive this provisional call-up for the 2010 South African World Cup,” Valente told the Setanta Sports website.

“Nevertheless, I feel I’ve done my job but I’m not capable of representing my country as a player should.”

Valente made 33 appearances for Portugal and was an integral member of Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad at the 2006 World Cup.

Mike Maguire

[Evertonscouser]

Great player and proffessional. Still performing brilliantly although not having alot of playing time due to his age. Whenever called upon has been solid. Has a few more years left in him in my opinion, never has a problem against players with pace, even the quickest, due to his positioning and experience.

[ramos]

Since he hasn't been in the team, Portugals defence has never been the same.

Same with Andrade.