Football: Andrew Durante announces international retirement

Andrew Durante. Photo / Getty Images.

All Whites centre-back Andrew Durante has slipped quietly away from international football, the game against Peru in Lima last week his last in the white jersey.

The 35-year-old Australia-born defender played 24 games for New Zealand after making his debut in 2013.

Durante said he'd made the announcement to his teammates following the All Whites' 2-0 loss to Peru in the second leg of their World Cup intercontinental play-off.

"It's a whole new cycle coming in now, and I'm not going to be 40 playing at the next World Cup so I decided it was my time to go."

Durante admitted it had been a difficult announcement to make to his teammates.

"I just wanted to thank everyone for welcoming me in and allowing an Aussie to infiltrate the New Zealand system," he said.

"I've been really honoured and proud that everyone's accepted me into the All Whites the way that they have.

"I feel like I've fitted in seamlessly from day one. It was an awesome time, I got to visit so many different countries and cultures, and I was just proud to have represented the silver fern."

Durante's departure coincides with that of coach Anthony Hudson, who took over from Ricki Herbert in 2014.

New Zealand Football have begun the search for Hudson's replacement, with chief Andy Martin saying on Friday there had already been considerable interest in the position.

Durante said the future of the All Whites looked to be in good hands.

"I think there's some really good talented players that have yet to really hit their straps, and some of them can go on to sign at bigger clubs," he said.

"I think the country's in a really good space. There's some talented footballers coming through and probably a wider range of footballers than we've had in previous years."

A lot would depend on the coach NZF settle on as Hudson's replacement, Durante added.

"It's a very big decision for New Zealand Football - they need someone to equal the passion and drive that Anthony Hudson had.

"He was an awesome coach, a really detailed coach. Every camp was very intense and detailed and structured - you knew going into every game that you were going to be prepared.

"In terms of the playing group, he'll be very fondly remembered."