Sergio Ramos retires from international football

Spanish football legend, Sergio Ramos has announced his retirement from international football after making 180 appearances for his country.

The 36-year-old Spaniard who has had a star-studded international career spanning nearly 18 years, was part of the Spain team that won their first ever World Cup trophy in 2010, which was sandwiched between two European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.

In his farewell message, Ramos said he came to the decision after having a telephone call with De la Fuente, who took over from Enrique after Spain were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco in the last 16.

He criticised coach Luis de la Fuente for deciding not to pick him regardless of his future performances.

The Paris Saint-Germain central defender said he wished he could have played more for the national team and that his time with “La Roja” would have ended in a better way.

The statement read;

“The time has come. Time for me to say goodbye to the Spain national team. This morning, I received a call from the current Head Coach who informed me that I am not and will not be part of his plans, regardless of how I perform or what I do in my career. With a heavy heart, it’s the end of the road that I hoped would stretch out further and which would end with a better taste in my mouth.

“I honestly believe that this journey deserved to end at my own choosing or because my performances were not at a level worthy of our national team. Because age in itself is not a virtue or a defect; it’s just a number that is not necessarily related to performance or ability. I admire and envy players like Modric, Messi and Pepe. Unfortunately, it won’t be like that for me because football isn’t always fair and football is never just football.

“I come away with unforgettable memories, all the titles we’ve fought for and celebrated together and the tremendous pride I feel as the most capped Spanish international of all time. This badge, this shirt and these fans, all of you, have made me happy. My heartfelt thanks to all of you who believed in me!”

Ramos is retiring as Spain’s most capped player as he is placed sixth in the all time record book for men’s national team players. The top spot is jointly held by Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa and Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo with 196 caps apiece.