Howard announces year-long international hiatus

Lyndon Lloyd , 21 August, 7comments | Jump to most recent

Star goalkeeper wants to spend more time with family

Tim Howard has announced that he will be taking a break from the United States national team for a year in order to spend more time with his family.

The 35-year-old has had a marquee year in American colours, culminating in his headline-grabbing exploits at the 2014 World Cup, but his footballing focus will be on Everton for the next 12 months.

Howard posted the following message on his Facebook page explaining the decision:

As you may have heard, I have decided to take some time off from the US Men's National Team in order to spend more time with my family. Having played overseas for the last 12 years, making this commitment to my family is very important.
I am grateful for the understanding of Jurgen Klinsmann who is affording me the opportunity to spend some much needed time with my kids and to have the opportunity to compete for a spot upon my return.
I understand that I will have to earn my place with the team and in the lineup when I come back, and I look forward to doing that. Physically I feel as strong as ever, and right now my heart, mind, and body all feel good about continuing on with the national team for the next World Cup.
It is difficult to predict the situation in four years but I know this decision is right for me today.

Reader Comments (7)

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Rob Halligan
2 Posted 21/08/2014 at 21:20:07

So the amount of time he would save by not travelling and the games he will miss for USA means he should be raring to and play in all of our games this season. Bad news for Robles!!!

Paul Hewitt
3 Posted 21/08/2014 at 21:28:49

Good news for us though, Rob.

Eugene Kearney
4 Posted 21/08/2014 at 21:32:46

Yes, he’s going to be busy enough with this season’s WINNING Everton team anyway. ;-)

Rob Halligan
5 Posted 21/08/2014 at 21:32:37

Exactly Paul. Trips halfway around the world, sometimes for meaningless friendlies, can be really tiring. By not playing in these games for USA surely means Howard should be 100% every week to play for us.

Patrick Murphy
6 Posted 21/08/2014 at 22:18:16

I'm glad he's made this decision if it means he can concentrate solely on his Everton career. He probably should have announced his full retirement from International duty it's much better to go out on a high and surely he'll be too old to play in the next World Cup anyway.

Jamie Crowley
7 Posted 21/08/2014 at 23:01:33

This is good news for American Evertonians.

The US has good depth at the keeper position. It's time for Brad Guzan to step up.

Everton will benefit from Tim solely concentrating on his Club duties.

Win-win. And it's the right decision, football aside, if he needs to be with his family.

Sean Kelly
8 Posted 22/08/2014 at 13:16:51

Good for us as it hopefully gives less chance for Robles.

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