Xabi Alonso 'announces international retirement'

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has reportedly decided to announce his retirement from international football after his side's final World Cup game with Australia on Monday.

The 32-year-old has started both games for La Roja so far in the tournament, with defeats to the Netherlands and Chile ending their hopes of retaining the trophy.

According to Marca, the ex-Liverpool playmaker had decided to bring the curtain down on an 11-year career with Spain prior to the beginning of the competition.

Alonso has won 112 caps to date and won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, in addition to World Cup success in South Africa, four years ago.