Uganda Cranes skipper Godfrey Massa has decided to take an early retirement from international football.

This comes just a few months after the former Baroka FC hit-man led the team to their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance since 1978.

In sad news to Ugandan football fraternity, Massa told Ugandan daily New Vision that he has decided to retire from international football.

“I have decided to retire from the national team after consulting with my family and I believe it’s the right time to start a new chapter,”said Massa said.

Massa, who made his international debut in the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, retires with the honour of being Uganda’s all-time top scorer on 12 goals.

“It has been a wonderful experience for me and I am grateful to have served my country at the best of my abilities. I will make a formal communication when I arrive in the country tomorrow (today),” Massa stated.

He was appointed Cranes captain in 2015 and will be remembered for guiding Cranes to the Nations Cup finals in Gabon.