Defender Mahesh Gawli yesterday announced his retirement from international football after a career lasting more than a decade.

The Goan, however, will continue to play for his local club Dempo. Gawli, who represented India in 82 games, informed about his decision to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in a letter.

"It is delightful and so appropriate to have a perfect farewell to my international career after winning the 2011 SAFF meet," he wrote.u00a0

Gawli was part of the team that won seven titles, including the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and Nehru Cup, in 2007 and 2009. He led India against Malaysia last month.