Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has announced his retirement from international football, with his last appearance for Spain being in the ill-fated campaign at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Known for his accurate passing game and ability to create goalscoring chances, Xavi made his national team debut in 2000 and went on to win 133 caps with Spain, scoring 12 goals.
He was integral in a dominant spell of world football that saw Spain win a World Cup, two European Championships and two FIFA Confederarion Cup titles between 2008 and 2013.
The 34-year old midfielder also won silver medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia as well as the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria.
Speaking at a conference in Barcelona, Xavi stated ”I’m really satisfied, happy and proud in what I’ve achieved with Spain. I’ll always support the Spanish national team but I feel my personal role has come to an end.”
Xavi only recently agreed to a one-year extension to his contract at Barcelona after being convinced by manager Luis Enrique in the close season to spend one more season with the Catalan club.