Azira Also Retires

Uganda Cranes experienced defensive midfielder Mike Azira has officially announced his retirement from International football.

This was confirmed on Wednesday evening in a letter that was written by player and forwarded to the FUFA President, Moses Magogo notifying him and the federation about his decision to hung up his national team jerseys.

“Dear Engineer Magogo, Please accept this letter as a notification that I wish to retire from playing for the national team effective April 14 2021” Michael Azira wrote.

“Playing for the national team has been an honor and I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to represent my country and my family” he added

” I have enjoyed working with the federation and playing for the Uganda National team.playing two Africa Cup of nations was my best moments with the Cranes. These memories will always stay with me and they will Cherished always”

Azira becomes the third player to announce retirement in less than a week after captain Denis Onyango and Assistant captain Hassan Wasswa Mawanda hang up their boots on Monday and Saturday respectively.

The defensive midfielder who currently plays at New Mexico City has played 10 games on the senior national team since making his debut in 2016.

Who is Mike Azira?

Micheal Azira (born August 22, 1987) is a Ugandan professional footballer who plays for New Mexico United and the Uganda national team.

Azira signed with Charleston Battery of USL Pro in 2012. He scored the winning goal for Charleston against Wilmington Hammerheads in the 2012 USL Pro Championship match. Azira scored six more goals for the Battery in 2013.

Azira was transferred to Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer on March 6, 2014. He made his MLS debut as a substitute against Montreal on March 23, 2014.

Azira Also Retires

Seattle did not renew Azira’s contract following the 2015 season. Azira entered the MLS Waiver Draft in December 2015 and was selected by Colorado Rapids.

Azira was traded by the Rapids on August 8, 2018 to Montreal Impact for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.

Azira was traded again in August 2019, this time to the Chicago Fire. His contract with the club expired at the end of the 2020 season.

On 1 February 2021, Azira signed with USL Championship side New Mexico United.