Xavi Hernandez retires from Spanish national team
Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez says he is retiring from the Spanish National Team.
Hernandez helped Spain win the World Cup in 2010 and two European Championships in 2008 and 2012. He finishes his international career 133 caps and 13 goals.
"I'm grateful for all those years. It has been a fantastic time, Hernandez said, via BBC.com. "I'm not 20 anymore, but I still have the motivation of a kid.”
Hernandez, 34, will continue to play for Barcelona, where he has two years left on his deal. Hernandez's decision to retire from international competition comes after Spain’s disappointing showing in the 2014 World Cup.
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Spain lost its first two games of the tournament and was eliminated in the group stage.
"After Euro 2012, it was generally understood I was going to be leaving after Brazil 2014,” Hernandez said. “I want to thank everyone involved in that team for the way they treated me and the respect, and I could not wish for a better time as an international."
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