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Spain legend Sergio Busquets announces international retirement

Spain legend Sergio Busquets announces international retirement
© Reuters
Experienced midfielder Sergio Busquets confirms that he has retired from international duty following Spain's World Cup elimination.

Sergio Busquets has confirmed that he has retired from international duty following Spain's World Cup exit.

The 34-year-old captained La Roja at the 2022 World Cup, which ended in disappointment for Luis Enrique's side, who lost to Morocco on penalties in the round of 16.

Enrique's departure as head coach has since been announced, with Luis de la Fuente becoming the national side's new manager moving forward.

Busquets had been tipped to continue with the national side, as he remains an influential player for Barcelona, but the experienced midfielder has now announced his international retirement.

"Hello to all! I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 games, the time has come to say goodbye to the national team," he wrote on his Instagram account.

Costa Rica's Celso Borges in action with Spain's Sergio Busquets at the World Cup on November 23, 2022© Reuters

"I would like to thank all the people who have been with me on this long road. From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique for making me enjoy until the last second. Also thank the trust of Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro or Robert Moreno, as well as all their staff.

"Finally, I can only wish all the luck in the world to my teammates and the new coach Luis de la Fuente. Now I will be one more fan, enjoy and support our national team unconditionally. Eternal thanks."

Busquets made 143 appearances for Spain between 2009 and 2022, winning the World Cup and European Championship, in addition to finishing as a runner-up in the Confederations Cup and UEFA Nations League.

Only Sergio Ramos (180) and Iker Casillas (167) have played more times for Spain than Busquets, who is yet to make a decision on his future at club level.

Sergio Busquets in action for Barcelona on September 13, 2022© Reuters

The midfielder's contract at Camp Nou is due to expire next June, and he is believed to be giving serious thought to leaving on a free transfer to move to the MLS.

Busquets recently revealed that he would be making a decision on his future "around February".

"It's my last year, I know a lot has been said, but I've always spoken in the same way. I have nothing signed from one side or the other. We'll see how it goes, but around February or so I would like to be clear and decide," he told El Larguero.

The Spaniard has made 12 La Liga appearances this term, in addition to four outings in the Champions League, and Barcelona boss Xavi is said to be desperate to keep hold of him for another season.

The Catalan outfit will be back in competitive action against Espanyol on December 31.

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Sergio Ramos in action for Paris Saint-Germain on September 14, 2022
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