Reluctant Hajto quits Poland
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
Article summary
FC Schalke 04's Polish defender Tomasz Hajto has announced his retirement from international football.
Article body
'I've had enough'
The 30-year-old announced his decision having travelled to Poland for Thursday's UEFA Cup third-round match against Wisla Kraków. "I don't get on with Boniek," he said. "I have had enough. It was a very hard decision, as playing for Poland has always been something special for me."
Latvia setback
Hajto, a key figure in the side that reached the summer's FIFA World Cup finals under Jerzy Engel, has made just one appearance since. The last of his 47 caps came when Engel's successor Boniek called him up for the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Latvia - a 1-0 home defeat. "I don't feel part of the national team with Boniek at the helm," he said. "We still have a chance of reaching the finals, although I think we are going about it the wrong way."
Tyson taunt
Hajto also blamed the press for contributing to the bad atmosphere around the national team. "Some people call me Tyson - it is sick. I just want to be finished with it," he said. Poland lie third in qualifying Group 4 after a win against San Marino and defeat by Latvia.