David Silva announces retirement from international football
The Manchester City midfielder posted a message on social media stating his decision after 125 caps and 35 goals for the Spain national team.
David Silva has announced his retirement from international duty. The 32-year-old Manchester City midfielder posted a message on social media on Monday laying out his decision to concentrate his efforts on club football after 12 years representing Spain during which he won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
Silva made his international debut in November 2006 and went on to amass 125 caps over the course of 12 years, scoring 35 times for La Roja, a total that places him fourth on the all-time list for his country behind Fernando Torres, Raúl and David Villa.
"I have lived and dreamed with a team that will be remembered forever"
In his farewell post, Silva wrote: “This has not been an easy decision but after days and weeks of reflection I have decided to retire from the Spain national team. I am leaving with a feeling of happiness for everything that has been achieved. I have lived and dreamed with a team that will be remembered forever. It is an emotional moment to call time on an era for all the moments that come to mind, like the figure of Luis Aragonés, a maestro who we will never forget. I would like to thank my teammates, all of the coaches who believed in me and the staff of the RFEF who have always strived to make life easy for us.”
Silva’s retirement comes shortly after that of Gerard Piqué, who also stepped down after the World Cup, as Spain face a changing of the guard under new coach Luis Enrique.
