34-year-old Spain midfielder Busquets retires from international football

Spain midfielder Busquets AP

Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets announced on Friday that he is retiring from international football.

The 34-year-old leaves Spain's national team after making 143 appearances and forming part of the squads that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.

"I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the time has come to say goodbye to the national team," wrote Busquets.

"I would like to thank all the people who have accompanied me on this long journey. From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique for making me enjoy until the last second. I also thank Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro and Robert Moreno for their trust, as well as all the staff.

"And of course to each and every one of my teammates, with whom I have fought to try to take the team where it deserves to be, always giving everything and with the greatest of pride," wrote Busquets.

The midfielder, who has spent his entire club career with FC Barcelona, made his last appearance in Spain's exit to Morocco on penalties in the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup.