Xavi Hernandez bid goodbye to the Spain national team, announcing his retirement from international duties after a disappointing experience in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Xavi, who had a total of 133 caps for Spain in his 14-year international career, admitted that he was surprised that he was not utilized well in the World Cup, but he insisted that it won't erase the fact that he had a wonderful time donning the Spanish colors.
"I have taken the decision to stop playing for the national team. I would like to thank the Federation and the managers that have chosen me from day one. It has been fantastic working with them and playing for this team. I go satisfied, proud and happy and wish them all the best," said Xavi, who won one World Cup and two European titles with the national team.
The 34-year-old midfielder said that he was set to retire after Spain won the 2012 European championship, but was convinced to stay by coach Vicente Del Bosque.
"I was going to retire after Euro 2012 but head coach Vicente Del Bosque persuaded me to stay on and go to Brazil, which was of course a huge disappointment for everyone and myself individually," Xavi said via BBC. "After Euro 2012, it was generally understood I was going to be leaving after Brazil 2014."
Xavi played down a rumored rift with Del Bosque, saying that he has nothing against the Spain national team coach.
In fact, he wants the 63-year-old coach to keep his job despite failing to advance to the knockout stages of the 2014 World Cup where they were considered as heavy favorite heading into the tournament.
"I hope Del Bosque stays as manager of Spain because I don't think there is a better man for the job," Xavi said. "I want to thank everyone involved in that team for the way they treated me and the respect, and I could not wish for a better time as an international."
And as for his club career, Xavi reiterated that he will stay in Barcelona, but admitted that the toyed with the idea of moving elsewhere after receiving lucrative offers from Middle East teams and MLS clubs in the United States.
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