Xabi Alonso announces international retirement

Midfielder Xabi Alonso has announced that he is calling time on his international career with Spain.

The 32-year-old has been a regular in the Spanish setup since 2003, but after being part of the squad that failed to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup finals earlier this summer, the Real Madrid player has revealed that he is retiring from the international stage.

I announce my retirement from international football. It's been an enormous honour for 11 great years. Sincere thanks to everyone involved.

— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) August 27, 2014

Alonso, who won the World Cup in 2010 as well as two European Championships, retires having scored 16 goals in 114 appearances.