Spain and Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has announced his retirement from international football.
The 34-year-old has earned 143 caps for Spain, and was a part of their World Cup-winning and European Championship-winning teams in 2010 and 2012 respectively.
Sergio Busquets made his debut for the Spain national team in 2009. He has decided to decamp from international duty after 15 years of service.
The veteran midfielder announced his retirement through a lengthy post on Instagram: “I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the time has come to say goodbye to the national team.”
“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.”
Sergio Busquets is also expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season. However, the club still wants to renew him for one final season.