Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has quit international football, citing personal insults which have ruined his mother's health.
Iran were knocked out of the World Cup with a win, a loss and a draw in their three Group B matches and Azmoun, Iran's top scorer in qualifying, did not replicate his best form in Russia where he failed to score a single goal.
"Playing in my national team has been a great honour for me and I will be proud of myself to the end of my days," the 23-year-old said in a post on social media.
"Unfortunately... I have come to the decision to say goodbye to my national team.
"This is one of the most painful and significant life decisions for a youth of 23, who faced great hardships to get here."
Although Iran left the World Cup with their heads held high, beating Morocco in their first match and narrowly losing to Spain before securing a gritty draw with Portugal, Azmoun said he had been subjected to abuse for his performances.
"There are some things in life that will speak first to you," he added.
"My mother had overcome a serious illness and I was happy but unfortunately because of the unkindness of some people and the insults that me and my team mates in no way deserved, her illness has become severe.
"This has put me in a difficult position where I must pick one or the other - and as a result I pick my mother."
His teammate Reza Ghoochannejhad has also announced his retirement.
Ghoochannejhad, 30, was not selected by coach Carlos Queiroz at all during the tournament.
