Sergio Ramos Reluctantly Retires From International Football After Being Snubbed By New Spain Manager
Sergio Ramos announced that his international career was over on Thursday.
The 36-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender is Spain's most-capped player of all time, having represented his country 180 times at senior level.
Ramos had been keen to continue playing for Spain, but new manager Luis de la Fuente told the former Real Madrid star this week that he has no intention of ever picking him.
Following this conversation, Ramos released a statement.
It read: "The time has come. Time for me to say goodbye to the Spain national team.
"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 the road that I hoped would stretch out further and which would end with a better taste in my mouth.
"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.
"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.
"Unfortunately, it won't be like that for me because football isn't always fair and football is never just football."
Ramos scored 23 goals for Spain.
He won three major tournaments with La Roja - Euro 2008, Euro 2012 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Ramos played the full 90 minutes in all three finals, helping Spain keep a clean sheet in each of them.
Reflecting on his record-breaking Spain career, he added: "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. My heartfelt thanks to all of you who believed in me!"
Sergio Ramos pictured holding the FIFA World Cup trophy following Spain's win over Holland in the 2010 final
IMAGO/Xinhua
