Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso has announced his retirement from international football.
In a letter released by the Spanish soccer federation, Alonso said that quitting the national team is the hardest thing he has ever done, but he knows his time to retire has come.
“It has been a glorious period with the Spanish team that started more than 11 years ago, I have formed part of an historical generation that has fulfilled the dreams of millions of fans, achieving something as unique as winning a World Cup and two European Championships in a row.”
Alonso made his first appearance for Spain in 2003. He played in 114 games and scored 16 goals for the team. He helped Spain win the 2008 and 2013 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup, according to the AP.
He also was on this year’s World Cup Squad that did not advance out of the group stage.
Alonso is currently playing for Barcelona in the La Liga in Spain.
Photo courtesy of INFphoto.com