Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Grenadian Ricky Charles quits international football


by Michael Bascombe
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, June 22, 2011 - Another stalwart in Grenadian football has announced his retirement at the international level.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Midfielder Ricky “Curry” Charles thanked all those who have assisted him in his football career spanning about two decades.
Charles’ announcement follows that of his long-standing captain Anthony “Nixon” Modeste who informed peers and officials about his retirement from international football after playing against Guatemala in Grenada’s final group stage game in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup last Monday.
“I finally decided to call it a day at the international level. I just needed some time to think about it,” said Charles.
Charles, who turned 36 last Sunday, played high school football for the Happy Hill Secondary School under coach Franklyn “Nat” Simpson and continued playing club football for Queen’s Park Rangers.
The stylish midfielder also played college football in the United States for Bryant & Stratton and the University of South Carolina-Spantanburg, and was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Soccer Hall of Fame in 2007. He also played for the then New Hampshire Phantoms and the Brooklyn Knights in the Premier Development League.
In 2001, he won the Most Valuable Player Award when Bryant & Stratton defeated Yavapai College 3-2 to win the NJCAA Division 1 Championship.
The Grenadian international also played semi-professional football in Trinidad and Tobago (St Ann’s Rangers) and in Antigua (Parham FC).
Charles, who also had a trial with English team West Bromwich Albion in 1996, has played in 12 qualifying matches for various FIFA World Cups, scoring eight goals.
Charles said that he will continue to play a role in developing football in his country and is prepared to assist if called upon.
“It was a great 20 years of representing my country to the best of my ability and I’ll continue to do so in any way possible,” he said.

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