Xavi announces retirement from international football

Xavi has announced his decision to retire from international football at 34.
The Barcelona was part of the Spain national team that won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 World Cup. Xavi made 133 appearances and scored 13 goals for La Roja.
He however confirmed that he would not be leaving Nou Camp, after new manager Luis Enrique convinced him to stay for one more season.
“I have decided to leave the national team – my time has come to an end,” the midfielder said at a press conference on Tuesday. “I’m grateful to everyone at the Federation. It has been a marvellous time over so many years and with so many successess.”
“I’m leaving with pride and I wish them all the best. Now I’ll be watching them as a fan.”
Speaking about staying in Spain for an extra season, Xavi, who was named Best Player in Euro 2008, said: “I want people to understand that I thought my time had come to an end,” he said. “I was so disappointed and I decided to leave Barca, but that decision was premature. Luis Enrique and Zubi (sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta) convinced me that I can be useful.
“I ended up disppointed last season. I didn’t feel useful for Barcelona or for the national team. They were two of the biggest disappointments of my life.”

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