Alonso Announces International Retirement

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has announced his retirement from
international football.

"I want to announce that my time with the Spanish national team has
come to an end," he said in a statement.

"The hardest thing is knowing when to say goodbye, and after thinking
about it, I think that my time with the national team has come to an
end."

The 32-year-old was a key member of the Spanish sides that have won
the past two European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as their
first World Cup in 2010.

"It has been a glorious period with the Spanish team that started more
than 11 years ago.

"I have formed part of an historical generation that has fulfilled the
dreams of millions of fans, achieving something as unique as winning a
World Cup and two European Championships in a row."

However, Alonso's final international tournament ended in huge
disappointment as the holders crashed out of the World Cup in Brazil
after just two games following defeats to the Netherlands and Chile in
the group stage.

Alonso scored 16 goals in 114 international appearances and joins Xavi
Hernandez in announcing his international retirement, heralding the
end of an era for Spanish football.

"It is very difficult to improve on what he has done," added Spain
coach Vicente del Bosque.

"He leaves a fantastic legacy along with his teammates. He has been a
great professional."

Del Bosque will announce his squad for next months' friendly away to
France and Spain's first Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia on
Friday.