Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets decided to retire from international football following his nation’s 2022 World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco during the Round of 16.
At 34 years old, Busquets was the last remaining active member of the Spanish squad that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – the country’s only World Cup victory to date. Following that victory, Busquets spoke of his ambition to become the first Spanish player to win two World Cups.
“I’d like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 games, the moment has come for me to say farewell to the national team,” Busquets announced. “It has been an honor to represent my country and take it to the highest level, to be a world and European champion, to be captain, and to have played so many games, with more or less success but always giving everything and bringing my grain of sand so that everything could go as well as possible.”
Busquets decided to step down from La Roja in order to focus on playing at the club level for the remainder of his career. He is one of the three players who missed a penalty as Spain was defeated by Morocco on penalties following a goalless draw.
