Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso has retired from international football, the World cup and double European Championship winner made this announcement on Wednesday.
Alonso has represented his country for the past eleven years and has earned 114 caps, since his debut against Ecuador in April 2003, Alonso has played an intricate part in Spain’s dominance in international football in recent years.
“I quit the Spanish National Team. The hardest thing is knowing when to say goodbye, and after thinking about it, I think that my time with the National squad has come to an end,” the 32-year-old said in a statement on the Spanish football team’s official website.
“It has been a glorious period with the Spanish team that started more than 11 years ago, I have formed part of an historical generation that has fulfilled the dreams of millions of fans.
“Since that April 30th, 2003 when I made my debut aged 21, I have only lived great moments, so I only have words of gratitude for all those with whom I have shared more than one decade,” he added.
Alonso’s international career ended on a sour note as Spain suffered an early exit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, winning just one of their three games.
Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque told sefutbol.com: “It’s very difficult to improve on what he has done. Together with his peers, he leaves behind a great legacy. He has been a great professional.
“The coaching staff and I hold him in great esteem and his behaviour has been impeccable for all this time.”