Hovhannes Hambardzumyan has retired from the Armenian national team after 53 matches

Defender Hovhannes Hambardzumyan has announced his retirement from the Armenia national team. The 35-year-old footballer has decided to bring his international career to an end after more than 15 years with the national side.

Hambardzumyan announced his decision on social media. The footballer admitted that representing the national team holds a special place in his career and thanked the fans for their support throughout all these years.

“Wearing the national team shirt has been one of the greatest honors of my life. From my first official match against Ireland to my final game for the national team, every moment of this journey is precious to me and will remain forever in my memory and heart. Our victories, our difficulties, your support and the emotions we experienced together will always stay with me,” Hambardzumyan wrote.

The player also expressed special gratitude to Armenia head coach Yeghishe Melikyan, who had hoped to see the experienced defender return to the national team.

At the same time, Hambardzumyan explained that one of the main factors behind his decision was his physical condition.

“Special thanks to Yeghishe Melikyan for his trust and his desire to see me in the national team again. I have always believed that you should join the national team fully healthy and in your best possible shape, ready to give your maximum. Today, I feel that I cannot give the team as much as I demand from myself,” the footballer said.

More than 50 appearances for Armenia

Hovhannes Hambardzumyan made his debut for the Armenia national team in 2010. The defender went on to make 53 appearances for the national side and scored four goals.

His international career therefore lasted for more than a decade and a half. During that period, Hambardzumyan regularly represented Armenia in European Championship and World Cup qualifying campaigns, as well as in the UEFA Nations League.

The experienced defender has now officially ended his international career after spending a significant part of his professional journey representing the Armenia national team.