Former players: Frei anticipates his international retirement

Early November 2010, Alexander Frei had announced he would bring his international career to an end at the term of the season, tired with the critics surrounding his performances with the Swiss national team (read previously).

Yesterday, Tuesday, the former Stade Rennes striker – as well as his team-mate Marco Streller – announced that he had decided to advance his departure from the national team, making it immediate. In a press release, the Swiss Football Association (ASF) has pointed at the criticism that has “sometimes reached the private sphere of the two players”, explaining that “in such an atmosphere, it was no longer possible for them to reach their optimal level of performance”.

Frei will therefore not take part in what should have been his testimonial match with the national team, on June 4th against England in Wembley, as part of the Euro 2012’s qualifications. “Alex Frei wishes to avoid, with his decision, that this qualifying game could mainly game a farewell game that could disturb the team”, the release adds.
In total, the striker has honoured 84 caps with the « Nati », scoring 42 goals and taking part in the final tournament of four big international competitions, two World Cups and two Euros.