The 38-year-old, who earned 139 caps and won the FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina, described writing his farewell message as the hardest moment of his career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A stalwart of Argentina\u2019s golden generation, Otamendi represented his country at four FIFA World Cups, cementing his legacy as one of the nation\u2019s most accomplished defenders.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cToday I have to write the hardest words of my entire career. I dreamed from a very young age of wearing the Argentina national team jersey; it was the greatest privilege football ever gave me. I defended it with my soul, with pride, and with the responsibility of knowing what it means to millions of Argentines,\u201d Otamendi wrote on social media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Otamendi made his final appearance for Argentina in Monday\u2019s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey. Despite the disappointing result, he said he was proud of the team\u2019s effort.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFate willed that my final match would be a World Cup final. It wasn\u2019t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high knowing that this group tried until the very last second.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Otamendi made his final appearance for Argentina in Monday\u2019s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey. Despite the disappointing result, he said he was proud of the team\u2019s effort.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Otamendi recently returned to Argentina to join River Plate after ending a successful European career that included spells with Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica.<\/p>\r\n\r\n