Sergio Busquets says goodbye to 'La Roja'

"I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the moment has arrived to bid farewell to the national team," Sergio Busquets wrote on his social media.

The Spanish player wanted to "thank all the people" who have accompanied him "on this long road": "From Vicente del Bosque, who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique for making me enjoy every second. I would also like to thank Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro and Robert Moreno, as well as all their staffs, for their trust.

Busquets is the last member of the 2010 team to bow out of international football - he was also part of the team that lifted the 2012 European title. He was captain of the 2022 World Cup side that fell to a penalty shoot-out defeat to Morocco in the last-16. Only his fellow 2010 teammates Iker Casillas (167) and Sergio Ramos (180) represented Spain more often than him.

"To each and every one of my teammates, with whom I have fought to try to take the Spanish national team to where it deserved to be, with more or less success but always giving my all and with the greatest of pride. It has been an honour to represent my national team and help lift it higher, to being European and World champions. To have been captain and to have played so many matches with a certain level of success and always trying to do my best," the player added.

"I don't want to forget any member. They have been just as important in the background (physiotherapists, doctors, equipment, delegates, nutritionists, staff, press, security, travel, etc...) and all the people and workers who have crossed my road and have made it so special. Also to presidents, managers, sporting directors and those who, in one way or another, have been part of the Federation," Busquets concluded.

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