Argentine footballer Gonzalo Higuain has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31. The marksman has been an incredible servant for the South American nation with 31 goals from 75 caps but he has decided to end his association citing the urge to enjoy more time with his family.

In an interview with Fox Sports, he said: “To the delight of many, now I will only look at it from the outside. I have spoken to (manager Lionel) Scaloni and told him my point of view. I’ve made the decision because I want to enjoy my family, I want to spend time with my daughter and at the same time, I feel that I gave my country everything I could.”

Higuain had not been considered for Argentine duty since the World Cup where they were ousted at the round of 16 stage. As such, his prospects of making a comeback ahead of the summer Copa America remained uncertain and this may have eventually tempted him to call time on his international career.

Meanwhile, the striker remains determined to become a success in the Premier League with Chelsea whom he joined from Juventus on a loan move at the turn of the year, he added: “I’m fully focused on my commitment to Chelsea. The Premier League is amazing and I really want to enjoy it. It’s very competitive indeed.”

Higuain has been a decent success for the Blues with three goals from 10 appearances and it remains to be seen whether the club would take the option to sign him permanently at the end of the season. Chelsea are currently outside of the top four of the Premier League with a three-point deficit and they will be aiming to push for the same before the season includes. If not the case, the west London side may need to win the Europa League in order to make their Champions League comeback next term.