Thanks Emile, you made the right decision

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has announced his retirement from international duty.

The 32 year-old was part of the England World Cup squad in South Africa.

The Three Lions were awful in the tournament and he can’t be the only one thinking about international retirement.

Fans

Heskey told media: “I have enjoyed every moment of my England career and worn the shirt with pride every time I have been fortunate enough to have been selected.

“I would like to thank every manager I have played under, everyone at The FA and the fans for all their support over the years.

“I wish the management team and the playing squad all the best for the future.”

It seems ironic that he has thanked the fans in his announcement, considering most England fans didn’t want him anywhere near the team. He has been criticised for being a striker who doesn’t score goals. He scored seven goals in 62 appearances for England, not exactly a great record for an international forward.

Too Nice

Heskey has been criticised for being too nice. He has the physique of a boxer but he just isn’t aggressive enough. He doesn’t use his undoubted physical attributes to his advantage. He lets defenders bully him.

He is in the team to hold the ball up and be a foil for Wayne Rooney. He does a reasonable job but any forwards main aim should be to find the back of the net. If you don’t do this, as a striker you are considered a failure. He has never been a prolific goalscorer but every boss he has played under sings his praises.

Dignified

His faults as a footballer are his strengths as a person. Heskey is generally acknowledged as one of footballs nice guys. He is humble and works hard for his teammates and never hides when things aren’t going his way.

He deserves credit for the way he has handled criticism and not lashed out. He also deserves credit for being such a disciplined individual. A lot of other footballers would have come out in the media and attacked the critical fans. Not Heskey though, he just went about his business in a dignified manner.

Future

After sorting out his international future he must now turn his attention back to his club career. He struggled to gain first team football at Aston Villa last season and he could be looking for a move this summer.

He is at the stage of his career where he can’t just sit on the bench. He’s probably only got a few years of his career left and a move would benefit all parties. A move to a lower league club or abroad could prolong his career, although he has been linked with a move to Stoke City. Maybe he should think about joining Thierry Henry in MLS?

Opportunity

Heskey’s retirement creates an opportunity for the other strikers in and around the England squad. The likes of Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Carlton Cole and Jermain Defoe will all get more opportunities to break into the starting line-up with Heskey gone. Even Fulham’s Bobby Zamora could have an outside chance of breaking into the side.

Thank You

I would just like to say thank you Emile and wish you good luck in whatever you choose to do in the future. I may not be your biggest fan but I know that unlike a lot of your England colleagues, you always gave 100 per cent for your country.