Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has taken to Twitter to announce his retirement from international football following a disappointing World Cup in Brazil. Alonso, now 32, was a crucial member of the Spain team which won back-to-back European Championships and a World Cup title between 2008 and 2012, but he has decided to call time on an illustrious international career.
Alonso made his Spain debut in 2003 in a friendly win over Ecuador, and has tweeted his pride and gratitude after deciding to make his 114th appearance for his country his last, saying: "I announce my retirement from international football. It's been an enormous honour for 11 great years. Sincere thanks to everyone involved."
Despite only playing ten times at youth level for Spain u19s and u21s, Alonso has since established himself as a true legend for his continuing passion, desire and enduring quality. Many have even said that the Spanish side whose tiki-taka style revolutionised football across the world should be considered as one of the greatest teams to ever grace a football pitch - with three major honours to their name, Brazil's 1970 vintage have been touted as their only true rivals. However, following the reigning champions' exit at the group stage - the first team out of the tournament - in Brazil, change is needed and La Roja will have plenty of young players ready to take his place.
It would now seem that Alonso has taken the decision to sacrifice his international career for the good of his club career. At 32, he has plenty of football left in him and it is a decision which has done wonders for players such as Ryan Giggs and Francesco Totti in recent years. With 16 goals for his country, he has followed Barcelona metronome and fellow 'Golden Generation' member Xavi Hernández into international retirement this summer.