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Birchall calls it a day from international football.The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association acknowledges the decision by midfielder Christopher Birchall to retire from  international football.

Birchall sent a letter to the TTFA at 5:30am on Tuesday August 6th, 2013 which effectively means his last appearance for Trinidad and Tobago would have been the 2013 Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-final fixture against Mexico.

TTFA President Raymond Tim Kee thanked Birchall’s for his services to this country.

“We would like to acknowledge the letter sent by Christopher Birchall indicating his decision to retire from international football and the national team. We at the TTFA, and I speak on behalf of the coaches, his teammates and the local fraternity, take this opportunity to wish Chris the very best for the future and his career at the club level.

His services to our country’s national team have been of tremendous significance and played a great role in our thrust forward. His goal in the opening leg of the playoff versus Bahrain remains etched in our minds,” Tim Kee stated.

The 29-year-old Birchall scored four goals in 43 appearances for T&T. He made his debut on May 25th, 2005 in a friendly international against Bermuda. His first competitive appearance was against Panama in a 2006 World Cup qualifier on June 4th, 2005.

Below is a transcript of Birchall’s resignation letter.

I am writing to inform the TTFA of my immediate retirement from International football for Trinidad & Tobago.

I have thought long and hard about my decision and although it is a very difficult decision for me to make, I believe it's the correct one.

I would like to concentrate on my club football with Port Vale FC and give my best for the years I have left with them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank many people that have made my international career possible and colourful throughout.

Mr Jack Warner made it all possible for me and I will always be eternally thankful to him for introducing me to the start of my journey with the team. He made me and my family very welcome to the country and gave my mother a chance to come home to Trinidad.

Mr Mike Berry whom worked with Mr Warner made my early years with the team exciting and was always there to communicate with to make my transition very easy.

I would like to take time to thank all the coaches I've worked under with the national team, Mr Beenhakker, Mr Rijsbergen ,Mr Maturana, Mr Latapy, Mr Hutson Charles and Mr Shabazz and Mr Stephen Hart.

A special mention has to go to Mr Beenhakker, he was the first coach I worked under and had a special relationship with, he knew what he wanted to do with the Soca Warriors and  personally what he wanted from me to help the team create history and qualify for our first ever World Cup, without him  it would never have been possible and subsequently it produced the best memories of all of our lifetime.

To all of the players I've played with, they have all been an honour to play with and all brought their own strengths to represent the nation.

The 2006 squad was an exceptional one and was led by Dwight Yorke. As the captain I'd like to thank him for being a friend off the pitch and welcoming me with open arms to the team and on the pitch being a warrior and a pleasure to play in the middle of the park with.

Players like Kelvin Jack, Shaka Hislop, Clayton Ince,Tiger Fitzpatrick, David Nakhid, Stern John, Russell Latapy, Brent Sancho, Avery John,Dennis Lawrence, Marvin Andrews, Carlos Edwards, Densill Theobald, Kenwyne Jones have all become friends and I'd like to thank them all.

Mr Peter Rampersad has been there every step of the way as the technical manager and has done an amazing job and hopefully will continue to do so.

Last I would like to thank the most important people of all, the fans and the general public of Trinidad & Tobago.

Never did I think I would be accepted in the manner of which I did, the support I have received over the years has been phenomenal and I think it was made easier due to my fighting spirit and hard attitude on the pitch.

It is hard to call it a day but if I have left just one historic memory with the fans then I have achieved much more than I ever dreamed imaginable with the team.

I have always tried to give 100% on the pitch and give my all for the nation whenever called upon and wear the shirt with pride as I know how many people would die for my opportunity.

So with pride I announce my international retirement and look forward to seeing future Soca Warriors represent the country under the special guidance of coaches and TTFA president Mr Raymond Tim Kee.

Yours Faithfully
Chris Birchall