'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has announced his retirement from international football effective immediately. Alonso, whose future had been the subject of speculation following Spain’s early elimination from the World Cup, made 114 international appearances for Spain, and was part of the historic squads that won the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
“I announce my retirement from international football. It's been an enormous honour for 11 great years. Sincere thanks to everyone involved,” he said via his official twitter account. He also sent out a detailed statement in Spanish in an earlier tweet explaining his decision.
He said, “The most difficult thing is know when to say goodbye and, after giving it a lot of thought, I believe that moment has come. I have had a glorious time with Spain that started more than 11 years ago, including me forming part of an historic generation which realised the dream of millions of fans, achieving the unique feat of winning the World Cup and two European Championships in four years.”
He also expressed his gratitude towards his former coaches and teammates, “I want to thank all my coaches, team-mates and the fans who have always shown me great love and respect. Inaki Saez, the unforgettable Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque are people who have helped me improve in the right way both professionally and personally. I can't count all the team-mates with whom I've worn this shirt, but I want to thank each and every one for all they have taught me during this unforgettable stage of my life."
The Real Madrid midfielder also thanked all his fans, and the clubs that he has played for alongwith the Spanish federation: "Finally, I want to convey my sincere thanks to the fans," he added. "We shared the same dreams and enjoyed the glory together.”
Alonso is the third important member of the gifted and most successful Spanish generation to announce his retirement, following midfield compatriot Xavi Hernandez and striker David Villa.
With all these retirements, the future of Spanish football is now firmly in the hands of the younger generation, and an interesting transition awaits them.
