Scott Brown quits as Scotland captain to focus on Celtic

Midfielder Scott Brown, captain of Celtic and Scotland, announced on Friday his retirement from the national team after 11 years defending the colors of Scotland.

Brown, 31, said it was the hardest decision of his sporting life, but believes that leaving the national team is necessary to prolong his club career.

“I would like to thank Gordon for giving me the honour of not only playing for my country but captaining Scotland in the last campaign. I also owe a debt to every Scotland manager before him who selected me right back to Walter Smith handing me my senior debut,” said Brown in reference to manager Gordon Strachan.

“Gordon has been one of the most influential people in my career and I did not want to let him or my country down. It’s no secret that I’ve suffered some injuries in my career and once you get over 30 you have to protect your body more,” he added.

Brown, who made his international debut in 2005 in a match against the United States, has worn the Scotland shirt on 50 occasions, the last in March against Denmark.