Salas no longer plays for Chile

Chile's top scorer ever announced retirement due to physical issues, after being ruled out from the list for next Qualifiers games, which you can watch on JumpTV.
Marcelo Salas, a Chilean living legend, said farewell. He made the announcement after being ruled out from the list of players to face upcoming 2010 World Cup South American Qualifiers games against Bolivia and Venezuela.

After the last practice with Universidad de Chile, 34-year-old striker said he quits playing for Chile due to physical issues.

"I'm not in good shape to face an international game because of my knee. I can't practice in double shift as my teammates do", Salas said. The striker scored 37 goals for the national team.

"Being out of the list was not a surprise for me because, as I said before, I'm not in good shape. There's nothing left to do but to say goodbye", he remarked.

Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa called on 23 players for next games against Bolivia (June 15) and Venezuela (June 19) away. In addition, Chile will face Guatemala in Rancagua next Wednesday, and Panama in Valparaiso next Saturday in international friendly games.

"I've already talked to people working for the national team. I didn't talk to Bielsa, but I did it to someone else and told him about my decision. I'm fine", Salas added. The Chilean striker also made his mark in River Plate (Argentina), Juventus and Lazio (Italy).

About an eventual comeback to Chile, Salas said. "So far, I'm not coming back, and a later return could even be worst. Saying goodbye? If I have a knee injury, this is the right choice".

"Because of this injury, I can't fight for a spot in the team. When I was fine, I could do it. Obviously, it's hard to say goodbye because of all the great memories I have from those times. I don't know what's going to happen. If I definitely drop out, I can say that I'm proud of what I've done for Chile. I don't owe people anything", he added.

"Making such a decision is not easy because I have great memories. I made my debut in 1994, it's been a long time playing for Chile. Anyway, I'm happy because I've done all my best and because I am the all-time top scorer", Salas remarked.

The press stated that the reason why Salas is out of the national team are some remarks the striker made regarding his decision to stay with Universidad de Chile if they reached Torneo Apertura finals.

"The relationship with the coaching staff is quite good; I insist, this is a decision I made a long time ago because I can't face such important games for Chile. I don't know what's going to happen, but if the physical issues remain, the best thing to do is to say goodbye", Salas said.

Keep on watching the 2010 World Cup South American Qualifiers on JumpTV.