New Delhi: Veteran midfielder Climax Lawrence on Tuesday announced his retirement from international football saying he was deeply hurt by the manner in which he was dropped from the list of probables for the AFC Challenge Cup in March.

“I have no option but to withdraw myself from international football,” said Lawrence, who led India in the recently concluded SAFF championship in Delhi.

“I am shocked the way (chief coach) Savio (Medeira) handled it. He informed me about my exclusion only a day before he sent the probables list to the Federation.”

The Dempo player, who was a regular of the national team for 10 consecutive years, said had he been informed about his exclusion earlier, it would have been easier for him to take a decision on his career.

“In that case, I would have retired immediately after the SAFF final or after the match against Bayern Munich. I am all for the juniors and sincerely welcome their inclusion. But why insult me in this fashion?

“I have served the national team faithfully for many years and rarely missed a match. Didn’t I deserve an opportunity to bow out more gracefully,” Lawrence asked.

Sources said some of the senior footballers like Lawrence and Steven Dias were dropped after All India Football Federation took a decision to promote juniors. Moreover, Lawrence was not at his best touch during the SAFF championship.