Spain's Xavi Hernandez announces retirement from international football

Xavi Hernandez has announced his retirement from international football

Spain’s midfield mainstay, Xavi Hernandez, has announced his retirement from international football following a disappointing World Cup in Brazil earlier this summer.

The 34 year old midfielder won 133 caps for his country, and was an integral part of La Furia Roja’s triumphs at Euro 2008, FIFA World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012. He was named the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008, and was part of the All-star teams of both the European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

He is the most decorated Spanish player in history, and has been the lynchpin of both Barcelona’s and Spain’s mastery of possession based football, also known as tiki-taka.

At the press conference, Xavi said, “I have decided to retire from international football. I’m grateful for all those years. It has been a fantastic time.”

His retirement leaves a huge void in the Spanish midfield, and it remains to be seen who will be able to step up to replace him effectively. His future had been in doubt ever since Spain’s early elimination, and his situation at Barcelona is also not very clear, with nothing concrete having been declared regarding a potential move or stay.

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Edited by Staff Editor