Spain’s Xabi Alonso has called time on his international career, having won the World Cup, two European championships and 114 caps.
In a stellar career that spanned 11 years, since his debut against Ecuadorin April 2003, Alonso was a crucial part of the mighty Spain team that outgrew their underdogs status and went in to dominate international football for six years.
“I quit the Spanish National Team. The hardest thing is knowing when to say goodbye, and after thinking about it, I think that my time with the National squad has come to an end,” the 32-year-old said in a statement on the Spanish football team’s official website (www.sefutbol.com).
“It has been a glorious period with the Spanish team that started more than 11 years ago, I have formed part of an historical generation that has fulfilled the dreams of millions of fans”. Said Alonso in a statement.