Latas to quit after W/Cup

And the “Little Magician” has also declared that his appearance, once selected, in TT’s friendly international against Peru on May 10 will be his final in national colours on home soil.

Latapy, a former national team captain, made his intentions public yesterday one day after Beenhakker announced his squad.

“This one against Peru will definitely be the last match for me in front of the Trinidad and Tobago public. It will be a very emotional appearance for me because I have had a fantastic time playing for the people of the country and apart from this being a warm-up for us ahead of the World Cup, I will also want it to be my way of showing my appreciation for all the support I have received over the years from the locals. This is going to be a special one,” Latapy said.

Latapy, who plays for Falkirk in Scotland said also that he has made his mind up on calling it a day as a player on the international stage following TT’s appearance in Germany.

“Obviously it was a big step to come back and play for the national team at 37 but I will say I am delighted that I made that decision because it turned out well for all of us and I achieved something that I always dreamt of as a kid which was to make a contribution to getting my country to the World Cup.

“After the World Cup as far as my international career goes it could definitely be the end of it in a playing capacity.

I might add though that I would want to contribute in another form to Trinidad and Tobago’s football and if the opportunity (to coach the national team) became available to me I would definitely put myself forward,” Latapy added.

The former FC Porto player said he felt the timing was right for Beenhakker to name his squad and those selected can now start concentrating on preparing for the World Cup.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved and especially the country at large to have the opportunity to go to our first World Cup. This is what the boys and the other people involved have all worked for over the years. It’s a big opportunity really for all of us,” Latapy said.

He said as a player he was anxious up to the time the coach made the announcement on Wednesday.

“At this stage you don’t take anything for granted so any other player who is involved is obviously anxious to know who he (Beenhakker) was going to take to Germany.

“Generally speaking it’s a dream come true because I have played in five qualifying campaigns and now that we have qualified, you want to make sure that you are in fact going to be there,” Latapy added.

And he had a bit of advice for those who may have been left disappointed with not getting the final call— it’s never too late to make it to a World Cup.

“That’s sport for you. There will still be some who may be disappointed when the starting 11 is named because 23 players are going to the World Cup, That’s the way it goes and you have got to be able to take the bitter with the sweet.

“But looking at the bigger picture, it’s definitely a chance to showcase ourselves to the world and hopefully this is not going to be our last appearance at a World Cup.

“For those who are not going this time, they can now work harder and be around for the next time and if it’s anyone who can say you’re never too old to go to the World Cup it’s me at this stage,” he said on a lighter note.

Latapy will reassemble with the rest of the team on May 7 in Port-of-Spain for the farewell friendly against the South Americans scheduled for 6.30 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Before that, the home-based professionals will be in action against Grenada at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar on April 25 and Manny Ramjohn Stadium on April 27.

Both matches kick off at 7 pm.