The Spaniard ends his glorious international career with Spain.
Sergio Ramos has confirmed his decision to retire from international football.
The experienced centre-back ends his Spain career with three major trophies and half a dozen unforgettable performances.
After making his debut for La Roja in 2005, Ramos quickly established a place alongside Carlos Puyol at the heart of Spain’s backline.
Ramos was part of the Spain squad that won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012. He also played a crucial role in Spain’s title-winning campaign in World Cup 2010.
Ramos’ last appearance for Spain came in March 2021, with Luis Enrique preferring to use younger defenders. The former Spain manager didn’t include Ramos in his selected squads for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
Spain’s football federation sacked Enrique after La Roja’s shocking defeat against Morocco in the World Cup’s last-16 round. The decision to hire Luis de la Fuente led many to believe that Ramos would push to reclaim his spot in Spain’s backline.
However, on Thursday, the PSG star announced he won’t play again for Spain. Ramos apparently doesn’t have a place in De la Fuente’s plans for La Roja.
What has Ramos said?
Ramos announced his international retirement in an Instagram post, writing: “[It is] time for me to say goodbye to the Spain national team, to La Roja.
“This morning, I received a call from the current head coach who informed me that I am not and will not be part of his plans, regardless of how I perform or what I do in my career.
“With a heavy heart, it’s the end of a road that I hoped would stretch out further and which would end with a better taste in my mouth, on a par with all the success we achieved with La Roja.
“I honestly believe that this journey deserved to end at my own choosing or because my performances were not at a level worthy of our national team, not due to a question of age or other reasons that, although I have not heard them directly, I have certainly felt.
“Because age in itself is not a virtue or a defect; it’s just a number that is not necessarily related to performance or ability.
“I admire and envy players like [Luka] Modric, [Lionel] Messi and Pepe. They are the essence of tradition, values, meritocracy and justice in football.
“Unfortunately, it won’t be like that for me because football isn’t always fair and football is never just football.
“This is something I have to accept, albeit with this sadness I share with you but also with my head held high, and thankful for all these years and for your support.
“I come away with unforgettable memories, all the titles we’ve fought for and celebrated together and the tremendous pride I feel as the most capped Spanish international of all time. This badge, this shirt and these fans, all of you, have made me happy.
“I’ll continue to support my country with the passion of someone lucky enough to proudly represent it 180 times. My heartfelt thanks to all of you who believed in me!”
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