Noh Rahman cites age, studies for decision to retire from Lions

SINGAPORE — He described it as a heartbreaking decision and one of the hardest things he has ever had to do. But in the end, Noh Rahman made a call that he felt was honest to himself, his family and his country.

The Tampines Rovers fullback, who has caught the eye this season with his sparkling performances in defence, was called up to newly appointed national team head coach V Sundramoorthy’s 23-man squad for this week’s AYA Bank Cup in Myanmar, which will feature the hosts, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the 35-year-old, who last represented the Lions in August 2013 in an Asian Cup qualifier against Oman, turned down the offer from his former Tampines boss, and announced his international retirement on Saturday evening. Warriors FC captain Zulfadli Zainal was subsequently called up as his replacement.

Speaking to TODAY, Noh Rahman, who has 80 caps, explained his reasons for retiring. “Firstly, I am going to turn 36 in August, and while I appreciate that coach Sundram still values me as national player material, I have to admit that I am not in the right condition to play international football,” said Noh.

“In the last few years, I’ve had two knee operations which have taken away some of my pace. At this age, I have nothing to hide and this is a natural process that you cannot run away from.”

That aside, Noh Rahman, who is studying for a specialist diploma in sports and exercise science at Republic Polytechnic, admitted he is finding it hard to balance his football career with his family and part-time studies.

“This one-year diploma course is very intense and I have classes three times a week. Sometimes, they clash with my club commitments,” explained the father of two.

“As I am a family man, it is often hard to manage my schedule so I do not wish to offer any half-hearted commitment to the national side.”

The two-time AFF Suzuki Cup winner met with Sundram the day after he found out about his inclusion in the squad.

“I spent the whole of last Friday thinking about it,” said Noh. “I feel I have given my all (in these last few years) and so out of respect, I met coach Sundram to inform him of my decision the next day. He understood my reasons and was supportive, I want to thank him for that.

“All the best to him as national coach. He deserves it and I hope he is given enough time to impart his knowledge to the team and hopefully lead them to great things.”

Sundram told TODAY that he respected Noh Rahman’s honesty. “I would have loved to have him in my squad but he has other things in life he wants to focus on,” said the 50-year-old former international. “I wish him all the best.” AMANPREET SINGH