Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets has announced his international retirement.
Busquets, who won the 2010 World Cup and European Championship in 2012, has been a constant at the heart of Spain’s midfield since his debut in 2009.
The 34-year-old Barcelona midfielder has played 143 times for Spain, including every match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where Spain suffered a shock round of 16 exit at the hands of Morocco.
“I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the time has come to say goodbye to the national team,” Busquets wrote on Instagram.
“It has been an honor to represent my country and take it to the top, to be a World and European champion, to be captain and to play so many games, with greater or lesser success but always giving everything and contributing my grain of sand so that everything was done the right way, and so that everyone felt how important they are, helping everyone and fighting for the same goal, with unique, unforgettable and historical experiences.
“I still get goosebumps remembering it. I will miss it a lot — seeing the squad list, taking the airplane, greeting my teammates, enjoying the training sessions, the endless games, going out to play, but not before shouting together, listening to the national anthem, hugging or feeling the affection of an entire country.
“Finally, I can only wish my teammates and the new coach Luis de la Fuente all the luck in the world. Now I will be one more fan, I will enjoy and unconditionally support our team.”