Holebas focus on helping Hornets

Jose Holebas has explained his decision to retire from international football was to focus on club side Watford.

The 32-year-old called time on his international career last month after winning 38 caps for Greece over five years.

He admits it was not an easy decision to make, with Greece trying to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but will instead concentrate on helping the Hornets.

Sitting in eighth in the Premier League under new boss Walter Mazzarri, Watford have made a promising start to the season, and Holebas believes he has plenty to offer the Hornets.

(RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

“It was a personal decision for me,” he said.

“I just decided maybe now was the time to focus on my club. I had been with the national team for five years, playing every time with coaches coming and going, but I decided this was the right time to step back.

“It was a difficult decision. When you make a decision like this everyone looks at your age, but for me, age means nothing.

“I’m totally fit and healthy and I think I can maybe play for another five years. It’s just that now I’m going to focus completely on my club career.”