Golden Jags’ Matthew Briggs calls time on international career
Golden Jaguars defender Matthew Briggs has moved to hang up his football boots, announcing his retirement on Tuesday morning.
Briggs began his stint with the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team back in March 2015 during an encounter with Grenada, and has since acquired more than 15 caps with the Golden Jaguars and one goal to his name.
In an announcement via social media on Tuesday, Briggs wrote, “The 13th of May 2007 until now! I could write a book but I’ll keep this one short and sweet.
The time has come for me to hang up my boots. It’s something that has been in the back of my mind for some time now. I’ve struggled with a certain injury for many years now and is one that can’t get better.
“I was told a couple years ago when I was playing in Denmark that I should think about retiring, but I wasn’t ready to stop playing yet, so I came back to England and continued to play non-league, and have continued to do that for a couple of years.
Matthew Briggs in action for the Golden Jaguars
“Unfortunately, the time has come now where my body is telling me to stop playing.
Although it’s a hard one having to stop playing at 32, it’s a choice I’ve taken time to make, and I’m at peace with.
“I’m lucky enough to say I’ve played at the highest level and captained my country at senior level.
I’ve had one hell of a career. I’ve had many highs and many lows, and I’ve learned a lot from them, and it’s shaped me into who I am and what I do today. Now, I am able to put my full focus into my job @fulhamfc and mentoring the next generation of future stars and any avenues and opportunities that come my way.
“I want to say thank you to my family and friends who have supported me my whole career. Thank you to my agent and friend @twelvefcg for looking after me and doing right by me. Thank you to all fans that have followed my career or been a supporter of mine, and thank you to all the clubs, coaching, and background staff, and all the team mates I’ve had over the years.”
Back in 2021, Briggs enjoyed a stint as captain of Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Team, during their campaign at the CONCACAF, 2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar) Qualifiers.
