The Spanish national team has lost a longtime team defender - Xabi Alonso, who after 11 years decided to bid farewell to the national team.
The 32-year-old footballer participated in this summer's World Cup, but will no longer play matches for Spain as a defender.
"I want to announce that I am ending my career with the Spanish national team. The hardest part is having to say goodbye, but upon further reflection, I realize that the time has come," wrote X. Alonso in a public letter.
"I am ending a glorious career with the national team, which started more than 11 years ago. I want to thank all the coaches, teammates, and fans who supported me throughout this time," the Spaniard concluded.
The "Real" veteran from Madrid became a European champion twice and triumphed once in the World Cup with the Spanish national team.
