Anuching Mogini only turned 20 last month but has already decided to quit from international football after she was left out of the BFF camp few days ago. She had been a vital member of different youth national teams in the last seven years and was in the triumphant Bangladesh squad at the Saff Women's Championship in Nepal last year. The promising center-forward from Khagrachari recently talked to Dhaka Tribune on her decision to retire prematurely.
Why have you decided to retire?
It's not because of my removal from the camp but for the way they showed the way. They disrespected me. It's normal that I would not always be there. It happens in sports. But it's been only two/three months since we won the Saff Championship. I was in the camp during this time. The girl I was replaced by has not joined the camp yet. I had practice and gym in the morning. Then suddenly in the afternoon they called me and said, “You are out. You go back home.” How do you feel then?
I couldn't accept it. If they had cared for me as a footballer they wouldn't have shown disrespect. It happened to others as well.
Which way would you have preferred?
They could have told me in the morning. They just can't put me in hard training and then remove me. At least, they could tell me the decision more politely.
They could have given hints earlier. As you know we just returned as Saff winners. We played the league after that. Then we just joined the camp. How could I be left out?
Could you explain more how they disrespected you?
They could have told why I was removed. They didn't clear out the reason. They gave me no reason. They only told me that if I continue training I may have the chance to return. I want to say, will they come to my home and train me? How can I come back?
Coach Golam Rabbani Choton said they left you out because of performance…
Sir (coach) told this to media but not to me. He was there sitting when we were informed of the decision but he didn't explain me why. Paul (Thomas Smalley) sir informed me the decision and a Bangladesh Football Federation official was translating his words. They didn't give me signal that my training and performance would keep me in the camp. I'm not a junior anymore. They just can't remove me anytime they want. I have been playing since 2016. You tell me where was my dignity? I don't want to go back to the national team. I wouldn't do this because I know what football federation can do and what they can't. I also got very emotional.
Anuching alongside her twin sister Anai during their age-level days with the national side Dhaka Tribune How many matches have you played in the league, and how many did you score?
I played for Bashundhara Kings (eventual hat-trick champions). I scored 10 goals from five/six matches I played this season.
You can play for at least 14/15 years and you may have the chance to return to the national team anytime. Why retire so soon?
It's not that I can't come back. It's because of what I realized from seeing the fate of three/four footballers like Mousumi, Joba, Nargis and Rabeya who were all eliminated from the camp. They went home for vacation and never called back. How can I expect they would call me back?
How did your parents react after retirement?
They were surprised to see me removed from the camp. I explained why I took the decision to retire. They understood me. They support me.
Where would you practice at home?
I will not. I will not play. If my mind wants to play the league then I may play.
Is there any practice opportunity in your locality?
Yes. There is an academy for female footballers. When I came back home I used to train here. I never sat home alone during vacation. I spent times with them.
Can't you take it as a challenge that you will be better and return?
Sorry. I know the chances of my return. I'll stick to my decision. I worked hard for the country in the last seven years. I wanted to do something for the country and I did. But this is how they showed me respect. Yet, I will always be there to support BFF with my capability, but I will not play for them again.