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Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche (bottom left), Madjid Bougherra and Yacine Brahimi in the victory against South Korea at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. REUTERS / Marko Djurica

Just after the coronation in Egypt, Rafik Halliche did not hide the fact that the moment of turning the page had arrived after eleven years in Green. In a press conference on Tuesday, national coach Djamel Belmadi announced that the friendly against Benin on 9 September will be the defender's last outing.

International since 2008, launched by Rabah Saadane, the Moreirense FC player in Portugal will remain an indispensable part of the Fennecs for a good decade .

Rafik Halliche had his first selection against Senegal in May 2008 at the start of the 2010 CAN and World Cup qualifying campaign. Eleven years later, he faced the Lions in winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Africa of the nations in Egypt.

" I remember the good times "

In the meantime, the former Fulham player has had some ups and downs. But he always answered present. In 2009, Rafik Halliche played a big role during Algeria's World Cup qualifier, during this cult match against Egypt in Oum Dourman, Sudan.

" I remember the good times. There have been many such as qualifying for my first World Cup in South Africa and the eighth finals in Brazil in 2014. I also had the chance to win the CAN. It was not easy. There are young people in this team who are in good hands. I hope it will continue, "said the 33-year-old defender at a press briefing with the national team.

World Cup meet record

In addition to his 40 matches in selection, Rafik Halliche holds the record of World Cup encounters (seven in total, in 2010 and 2014). He played all three games in South Africa, same thing in Brazil with four matches. Incidentally, he scored a goal against South Korea (4-2).

Madjid Bougherra and Antar Yahia, his former teammates now retired, wanted to greet him. Bougherra, 36, has published on his Instagram story: " An excellent walk Halliche, congratulations. ". " Arrived in the selection as a little brother, you have imposed yourself as a boss to make a great international career, good retirement MR HALLICHE! ", Wrote on his side, on his Twitter account, Antar Yahia.

Arrived in selection as a little brother you imposed yourself as a boss to make a wonderful international career, good retirement MR HALLICHE❤️! @DZfoot @LGDFennec @APS_DZ pic.twitter.com/S7x45wsFI1

Anthar Yahia (@ Anthar6Officiel) September 4, 2019

Rafik Halliche participated in four African Cups of Nations. In the list of 23 Algerian players at CAN 2019, Rafik Halliche played only one game. But his status as an experienced player had been essential in the locker room. The African champion will bid farewell to his audience at the July 5 stadium in Algiers.