Sergio Busquets Announces Retirement From International Football

Sergio Busquets has announced his retirement from international football following Spain’s unexpected elimination from the round of 16 in Qatar,

Sergio Busquets, who also served as Spain’s World Cup captain, was one of three players to miss a penalty as Luis Enrique’s team lost to Morocco 3-0 in a shootout after a scoreless standard match.

The 34-year-old was a member of Spain’s winning teams at the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euros, making it two straight major tournament victories for the country.

Busquets was the only member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team to play in Qatar, but he has now announced that his nearly 15-year international career is over.

Busquets announced his retirement on Instagram saying, “It has been an honour to represent my country and take it to the top, to be a World and European champion, to be captain and to play so many games with greater or lesser success.

“But always giving everything and contributing my grain of sand so that everything was the right way as possible and that everyone felt how important they are, helping everyone and fighting for the same goal, with unique, unforgettable, and historical experiences.’

“I would like to thank all the people who have accompanied me on this long journey.

“From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique for making me enjoy until the last second. I also thank Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro and Robert Moreno for their trust, as well as all of his staff.

“And of course to each and every one of my teammates, with whom I have struggled to try to take the team where it deserved, with more or less success but always giving everything and with the greatest of pride.

“To all the followers, for the daily support received and especially when things did not turn out as we expected. That is when you are most needed and most united you have to be.

“And of course, most importantly, my family. For supporting me at all times and in all my decisions and sharing this path while being away for many days and making me always feel close so that I could give my best.”