Former Uganda captain Andrew Mwesigwa has officially announced his immediate retirement from football following a nomadic career.
The defender, who featured for Uganda Premier League side Sports Club Villa before spending a decade abroad, won 78 caps for the Cranes, scoring eight goals.
"It's been a good journey for me but I officially and painfully have to say that I leave this game," the defender told attendees at a function at the Andy Mwesigwa Education and Sports College School in Wakiso on Tuesday.
"I thank the almighty God for the journey, fans and my family for all the support."
Mwesigwa was Uganda captain between 2008 and 2015, but hasn't featured for the national side since 2014 during an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea in Casablanca where he was sent off and conceded a penalty.
After leaving SC Villa in 2005, he represented IBV Vestmanaeyjar in Iceland, Chinese side Chongqin Lifan, Ordabasy FC of Kazakhstan and Venicami Agdelen (Turkey) among others.
"I am glad that in this career I have made some friends from Iceland, China, Belgium and many others and they have been a big pillars in my career for the 14 years," added Mwesigwa.
"Former @UgandaCranes skipper Andrew Mwesigwa retires from active football," wrote the Ugandan Football Association on their official Twitter handle. "We wish you the best in your new life. #ThankyouAndy."
Former Uganda coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic signed Mwesigwa for SC Villa from Mbale Heroes in 2002, and told KweséESPN on the phone that he wishes his ex-captain the best in retirement.
"He was such a hard worker as a player and very principled as a person," began the Orlando Pirates coach. "I wish Andy can stay in football and give back to football what it gave to him."