One of La Furia Roja's most gifted midfielders, a world-class playmaker, Xavi Hernandez has announced his retirement from the Spanish national side at the age of 34.
The Barcelona star announced this revelation in a press conference for his Catalan side, calling an end to 14 years with the European nation.
Xavi made his debut at the age of 20 back in 2000, featuring in a game against Netherlands, before helping Spain to a silver medal at the Australian Olympics that same year, and since then has went on to amass 133 caps, netting 14 times for his country.
Playing for a country known as underachievers, Xavi was part of the side that ended La Furia Roja's 44-year wait for silverware as the Bluagrana maestro, alongside David Villa and Fernando Torres, helped Spain claim the 2008 Euro championship in Austria and Switzerland.
More success was to follow. Two years later, Spain competed on the grand stage, and under former Real Madrid boss Vicente del Bosque, Xavi lifted the World Cup in South Africa. In Poland and Ukraine, Spain made histroy by becoming the first cuntry to win three major international trophies in a row by claiming the 2012 Euro crown.
Xavi racked up 133 caps in 14 years of service to the Spanish national side
Xavi made 133 caps during his time with the Spanish national team, more than any other outfield player. pic.twitter.com/OkgfAmmv9H
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 5, 2014
One of the games greatest, Xavi has retired from international football: http://t.co/AG0ovDL8qC pic.twitter.com/TRxpoxC6Yq
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 5, 2014
INFOGRAPHIC: Xavi's domestic & international career in numbers. What a player! pic.twitter.com/AwgmunFujl
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 5, 2014
Xavi played an integral part in Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning run
"I have decided to retire from the Spain national team," Xavi stated. "I'm grateful for all those years. It has been a fantastic time."
"I'm not 20 anymore, but I still have the motivation of a kid."
The Barcelona legend's retirement comes after Spain's disappointing 2014 World Cup run which saw them exit in the group stage, but according to the player, he intended on hanging up his boots before that.
Tributes poured in for the 34-year-old Spaniard upon the announcement of his retirement
Fellow Barca and La Furia Roja team-mate Pedro hailed the midfield maestro as "one of the greatest" (via @Barcastuff
Tw Pedro: "You will always be one of the greatests. Thanks Xavi, for the geat times we had together #ThanksXavi pic.twitter.com/PTkYPjqrp1"
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) August 5, 2014
Xavi has announced his retirement from international football. One of the greatest midfielders the game has seen. #Suerte
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 5, 2014
Xavi has retired from international football. The icon of tiki-taka, Spanish football & one of the best sides ever. pic.twitter.com/5BMJMDehFw
— Messi Minutes (@MessiMinutes) August 5, 2014
So farewell to international football to Xavi - a sublime midfield player if ever there was one. Made passing look like poetry.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) August 5, 2014
Xavi has retired from international football sigh
