(Football news) Sergio Busquets has announced his retirement from international football. The midfielder has called it quits after 13 years of playing for the Spanish national team. He was the last player left from Spain’s golden generation that won two European championships and a World Cup in the span of 4 years. He has been the captain of the national team for the past 2 years and was a true leader.

Busquets will retire as one of the greatest players in the history of Spain, having played 143 games winning the World Cup and European championship. At the age of 34, this is the perfect time for him to hang up his boots especially with a new manager coming in.

Busquets made his debut in 2009 in a World Cup qualifier game against Turkey. He was subsequently named in the World Cup squad where he played every single minute barring 30 against Switzerland in the group stage. Spain ended up winning the World Cup as Busquets was the 3rd best passer in the tournament. At the 2012 Euros, Busquets played every single minute and was named in the team of the tournament as Spain ended up winning the competition.

Busquets continued to be an important part of the national team even when it was going through a lean patch at the big stage. Now it is time for the next generation to take over and Busquets is the perfect example to follow. The Spaniard’s contract with Barcelona runs out at the end of the season and he is yet to start negotiating for a new one.

There have been reports that he is likely to end up in the MLS. Busquets’ contribution often goes unnoticed and he is one of those players who doesn’t get enough recognition or credit. His absence will definitely be felt with Spain, especially because there are not many other senior players in the squad. New manager Luis de la Fuente will have to appoint a new captain and there is no obvious option available.

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