Defender Dennis Lawrence says he’s hopeful of using whatever time he has left as a professional footballer to also work on obtaining his coaching badges.
Lawrence, currently with English club Swansea City announced his retirement from the international game this week, making statements both in the UK and locally.
“The spare time will be a plus now and I will try to use it wisely. I have to start obtaining my coaching badges and just maybe by doing that it might lead to lengthening my club career. You never know really in this game. I’ll just try to do my best,” Lawrence told TTFF Media.
Down in the history books for the man who scored the goal to send T&T to its first ever senior World Cup Finals in 2006, Lawrence said he felt the time was right to quit the international game.
"Basically, I have a lot to offer still but under the current circumstances it's not possible."
Lawrence, a key member of the recently-established Football Players Association of T&T (FPATT), made it clear that he was in no way backing out of supporting the players' stance with the TTFF, but said there comes a time when a player has to look after his own needs.
"I've always been a team player, but at this moment I think I have to look after my needs and that of my family, which is trying to get the best out of myself for my club."
“A lot has happened over the last ten months since our last game in Germany, and it has been very frustrating for me and many others involved in football.
"I have had a lot of time to think and discuss with my family, friends and agent about my position on the matter at hand. For the record, I will like to say that I fully support my teammates in their stand for what we believe is right.
"Having said this, however, I must add that I do not support the legal action taken against the T&TFF, because I feel that between the players and the T&TFF, we had a good enough relationship to deal with our issues behind closed doors. It is sad to say now that this is not the case.
"However, I do hope that for the future of T&T football, both sides will soon resolve the matter," he added.
"I had a lengthy discussion with my agent, family and my close friends and at the moment I think it's the best move.
"I'm 32 going on 33 and it's not what I wanted to do, but it's in the best interest of me right now."