New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) India defender Mahesh Gawli Monday 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 Championship,' the 31-year-old wrote.

Gawli was part of the team that won seven titles, including the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and Nehru Cup, in 2007 and 2009.

He captained India in a one-off match against Malaysia in Guwahati last month.

Gawli has been playing for Dempo since 2005 and was member of Churchill Brothers and East Bengal.

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