TEMPO.CO, United States - United States goalkeeper Tim Howard has announced that he will take a sabbatical from international duty until September 2015.
Howard, 35, has not retired from the national team but wants to take time off to spend time with his family as he enters the twilight of his career.
The Everton keeper became a star at this year's World Cup taking the US to reach the tournament's last 16, but feels his call to step away from the team and prioritise his family.
"Having played overseas for the last 12 years and missing out on spending time with my family, making this commitment to my family is very important at this time," Howard said in a statement.
"I am grateful for the willingness of both Jurgen Klinsmann and Everton manager Roberto Martinez to afford me the opportunity to spend time with my kids."
Howard, who has won 104 caps for U.S., has the possibility to miss eight friendlies as well as the entirety of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
U.S. coach Klinsmann said to have no issues with Howard's decision but warned him that he would face a fight to win his spot as first-choice goalkeeper back.
"I told him as long as he is the same Tim Howard that we always see performing well, he will be welcome back with open arms and right back competing for a spot. He knows that he has to prove that he deserves to be back," Klinsmann said.
Brad Guzan and Nick Rimando are rumored to become Howard’s replacement later on. The US will play a friendly against the Czech Republic on September 2.
ANTARA | TASRIEF TARMIZI
