Former Premier Soccer League talent Gerald Phiri Junior has retired from international football after being left out of the Malawi squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 28-year-old who left Baroka for Sudanese giants Al Hilal last month was a surprise exclusion from the final squad heading to Cameroon after featuring in all their qualifiers.
Reports in Malawian media suggest the player fell out with head coach Mario Marinica during their training camp in Saudi Arabia and the player has since informed the Football Association of his decision to retire.
Phiri was one of the Flames most influential players in recent years with 11 goals in 46 caps since making his international debut in 2015 against Egypt.
The son of Malwai legend Gerald Phiri arrived in South Africa in the same year with Bidvest Wits and went on to represent Platinum Stars, Ajax Cape Town and Baroka before his switch to Sudan.
Phiri will now turn his attention to breaking into the Al Hilal starring line-up as they prepare for the CAF Champions League group stage.
