Batistuta bows out of international soccer
June 13, 2002
YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) - Gabriel Batistuta ended a glorious international career on an anticlimactic note, describing Argentina's early elimination from the World Cup as "my saddest moment."
Batistuta, Argentina's career leading scorer with 56 goals in 78 appearances, was substituted after 57 minutes of Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Sweden.
He finished with 10 World Cup goals.
"I've had a beautiful 10 years or so playing for Argentina. But this is my saddest moment," he said. "I had dreamed of ending my career in a different fashion. I had visions of retiring after lifting the cup in the final. But it didn't work that way, and that's football.
"What can I do? There's no point getting too angry about it."
Batistuta opened his 2002 World Cup campaign with a header goal against Nigeria on June 2. It was one of just two goals Argentina managed in the tournament.
Batistuta was aiming to break Gerd Mueller's record of 14 World Cup goals, scored for Germany between 1970-74.
"At least when I go to sleep tonight I will look back and know that I gave it my all," he said.
Batistuta frequently says he treats soccer strictly as a job, and that he feels no particular passion for the sport.
"I'm now going on holiday and doubt I will even watch the rest of the tournament," he said before boarding the team bus.