Spanish midfielder and 2010 World Cup winner Sergio Busquets announced his international retirement on Friday. The 34-year-old Barcelona stalwart made his decision known on his social media platforms.”I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the moment has arrived to bid farewell to the national team.” Busquets is the last member of the 2010 team to bow out of international football — he was also part of the team that lifted the 2012 European title. He was captain of the 2022 World Cup side that fell to a penalty shoot-out defeat to Morocco in the last 16. Only his fellow 2010 teammates Iker Casillas (167) and Sergio Ramos (180) represented Spain more often.”It has been an honour to represent my national team and help lift it higher to being European and World champions. To have been captain, to have played so many matches with success, and always trying to do my best.”Sergio Busquets, cómo lo echaremos de menos cuando se vaya o se retirepic.twitter.com/Kgn4Tk7v5z— Manu Heredia (@ManuHeredia21) December 8, 2022 Luis Enrique, who has since left his job as Spain manager, said after that match that he “wanted to convince him to play another World Cup”. But this is the end of the road for the classy midfielder, who will have some fantastic memories to look back on.”I still get goosebumps remembering it. I will miss it a lot — seeing the squad list, taking the airplane, greeting my teammates, enjoying the training sessions, the endless games, going out to play, but not before shouting together, listening to the national anthem, hugging or feeling the affection of an entire country. Finally, I can only wish my teammates and the new coach Luis de la Fuente all the luck in the world. Now I will be one more fan, I will enjoy and unconditionally support our team.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6895337##While his future for Spain has now been decided, his club career is up in the air, with his Barcelona contract expiring in June. Busquets has previously hinted a move to Inter Miami, the expected destination of Lionel Messi, appeals to him most.But Mundo Deportivo this week reported that he is yet to come to a decision and could yet sign a new deal with Barca. Boss Xavi considers him as ‘essential’ to his plans and has already told the midfielder of his importance. He’ll try to convince Sergio to stay. A potential roadblock to an extension is the claim that he will have to take a significant pay cut to stay at the Nou Camp. Прикажи ову објаву у апликацији Instagram Објава коју дели Sergio Busquets (@5sergiob) Will it be more glory at Camp Nou or a relaxing foray into American “soccer”? Whatever Busquets decides, he’ll remain a legend for Barca and the Spanish national team.
