International Career
Pizarro began his international career in 1999. After being one of the best players of the South American Youth Championship that year, Chile manager Nelson Acosta gave him an opportunity in the senior team.
He played in the 1999 Copa America and also the 2000 Summer Olympics, where he won the bronze medal. He also participated in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup qualifiers, with Chile failing to qualify on both occasions.
After failing to qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Pizarro announced his retirement from international football, listing several reasons for his decision. He disliked ex-coach Juvenal Olmos and ex-association president Reinaldo Sánchez. Also, he believed the players on the national team played solely to gain popularity. He also said he wished to spend more time with his family.
In early 2009, Pizarro said that he missed playing international football. In late 2011, Pizarro announced his wish to return to international football, but was refused by the Chilean international manager.
Read more about this topic: David Pizarro
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