Orlando Pirates Goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has revealed his reasons for retiring from international football.

News of the keeper’s retirement from the global stage was leaked recently by his Pirates team-mate Benni McCarthy.

On Wednesday Josephs said the press and public had ”misinterpreted” the reasons behind the move.

He explained that he was prompted to withdraw from consideration for international football after it became clear he did not feature in the plans of Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane. But he denied harbouring any grudges, against the coach or anyone else involved in the national set-up.

“I have no issues with anybody within the Bafana camp, from players to technical staff,” said Josephs in a statement. “This is a personal decision.”

At 32, Josephs has represented the national team on 22 occasions in a national career that spanned nine years.

“On each of these occasions I have been proud and honoured to represent our rainbow nation,” he said. “It is with a heavy heart and after careful consideration and discussion with my family and manager that I have elected to retire from international football with immediate effect.”

The mercurial goalkeeper said he would relish the chance to spend more time with his family.

“At the age of 32, keeping in mind the injuries that I have sustained, together with my desire to prolong my career, and considering the fantastic young goalkeepers in our country, I believe that it is the correct time to step aside,” he said.

“In addition, I have spent very little time with my family in recent years, and I believe this decision will give me the opportunity to do so.”

He expressed his gratitude to the coaching staff and managers with whom he worked in the course of his career.

“I would like to thank Safa and all the managerial and coaching staff for the honour and privilege they have afforded me by representing our national soccer team.

“I wish Pitso and the boys all the very best in their upcoming qualifiers.”

McCarthy said he respected his colleague’s decision to retire.

“Moeneeb is our teammate, we support him,” said the striker.