Goram spells out decision to quit

SUMMIT, New Jersey, May 27 (AFP)

Goalkeeper Andy Goram, who walked out of the Scottish World Cup squad on Tuesday, spelt out his reasons on Wednesday. In a letter to Scotland manager Craig Brown, Brown reveals how he was convinced his shock decision was the only solution to prevent the side being distracted by allegations about his private life. "Its plain to see that stories are being fabricated to upset me or our World Cup Preparations. Myself, Craig Brown and the players dont need this!!,"  wrote Goram "Its a very important time of peoples lives. "Players are ready to give everything for their Country. I am now Clubless and need to organise my future. "The last thing the Scotland squad need is controversy off the Park. They have an objective, they dont want anything to divert their focus on what really matters: - the World Cup."  The letter continues with a direct outburst at the press reports on his private life which are at the root of Gorams decision. "Yes, you have got to me! (The press) But I wont let it upset Craigs plans. If anything you have made it easier! "It would be easier for me to just sit and collect my money for participating, as a player or substitute, from the World Cup and the Players Pool... Money doesnt come into it. Ive never played in a World Cup, but contentment is more important than controversy. " From today Ive retired from international football. "Expanding on the letter on Wednesday, Goram said he just wanted to be left in privacy before resuming his playing career next season." All I want to do is get away from all this hassle and get on with my life,"  he said. "That would not have been possible if I was playing in the World Cup because there is so much attention given to that."  It was heartbreaking for me to leave Rangers and it is equally heartbreaking now to have to do this. Scotland manager Brown said on Wednesday he respected Gorams decision and would not be attempting to talk him round. Scotland defender Colin Hendry, expected to captain his country in France, revealed 34-year-old Goram, capped 43 times, had left so swiftly he was unable to inform his colleagues who found out at a team meeting. Celtics uncapped keeper Jonathan Gould is now on his way to the United States to join up with the Scotland party and will be third choice in France. "I had booked a holiday in Minorca with my wife which will have to be cancelled, this is too good an opportunity to pass up,"   he explained.

© - AFP - 1998