Sergio Busquets retires from Spain national team

Sergio Busquets has retired from international football. The Barcelona midfielder announced his decision on social media 10 days after Spain were knocked out of the Qatar World Cup 2022 in the Round of 16 against Morocco. The 34-year-old played 143 times for La Roja, winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship with the side.

The midfielder played all of Spain’s World Cup games in Qatar, captaining the side until their early exit at the hands of Morocco. The player confirmed the decision on Instagram, saying “I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 games, the time has come to say goodbye to the national team. I want to thank all the people that have joined me on this journey.

From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique who made me enjoy it until the last second. I also want to thank the confidence shown in me by Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro and Robert Moreno, as well as all the staff.”

“And how am I not going to thank all my teammates, those who have fought to take the team to where it belonged, sometimes succeeding but always giving everything with huge pride. I don’t want to forget one member of the team, those in the background have been just as important (physios, doctors, kit staff, delegates, nutritionists, staff, press, security, travel, etc...) and everyone who has crossed paths with me who has made it so special.

A thank you also to the Presidents, directors, sporting directors, and those who, or in one way or another, have formed part of the federation. To all the supporters, for the daily support you have given me and above all when things haven’t gone as we hoped. That is when you were most needed and most united. Thank you, to all of you!

And, of course, to my family. Thank you for supporting me in every moment and in all my decisions, for sharing this journey with me, even being far away a lot of the time and and for making me feel close so I could give the best version of myself.

It was an honour to represent my country and take it to the highest level, to being World Champion and European Champion, becoming captain and playing so many games, always giving my all and doing my bit to make everything work out and to make everyone feel as important as they were, supporting everyone and fighting for the same objective with unique, historic and unforgettable experiences.”

Busquets’ club future is also up in the air, with his Barcelona contract soon to run out in June 2023.