New Zealand footballer Tommy Smith. Photo / Getty Images
Tommy Smith has broken his silence on his All Whites return - though the reasons given don't fully explain his international exile over the past 12 months
Smith hasn't played for New Zealand since he captained the side during the World Cup qualifying matches with Mexico in late 2013. It
later emerged that he had threatened to retire before the first leg against the North American side, over a dispute about when he would be required to arrive in camp.
After missing the friendly games against Japan and South Africa earlier this year, Smith announced in August that he would be taking an indefinite break from international football, for at least 12 months.
However, he has recently done a u-turn, and has been included in the team to face China and Thailand next month.
Smith explained to the Ipswich Town website that a recent spell on the side lines for his club - as well as input from his club manager Mick McCarthy- has prompted a change of heart.
