David Silva retires from international football

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The World Cup winner will be joining teammates Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique in hanging up his boots for La Roja.

Spain and Manchester City playmaker David Silva has announced his international retirement through a letter published on social media. The 32-year-old played 125 times for his country and scored on 35 occasions.

The former Valencia man was a part of La Roja's 2010 FIFA World Cup title-winning squad and was also part of the 2008 and 2012 European Championship triumphs. On Twitter, the midfielder said, "It is not easy, after everything I have experienced, to sit down and write this letter. There have been days and weeks of reflection and analysis to make the decision to finish my time in the Spain national team. Without a doubt, it is one of the hardest decisions in my career."

Gracias, suerte y hasta siempre! ???????? pic.twitter.com/mIM1k45pfg

— David Silva (@21LVA) August 13, 2018

The Premier League star also added, "The national team has given me everything and has allowed me to grow as a player and as a person from my first days in the youth setup. I leave with pride after playing 125 games and scoring 35 goals in a 12-year spell, where we lifted the World Cup and two European Championships. I leave happy with all I have achieved, experienced and dreamed with a team that will be remembered forever, and I have ended an era filled with emotion from all those moments that come to my mind, like the figure of Luis Aragones, a teacher that none of us will ever forget."

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The Arguineguin native is the third member of the "old guard" to hang up his boots, following his nation's World Cup Round of 16 exit at the hands of Russia. After the defeat, Andres Iniesta had announced his retirement, while Gerard Pique revealed it on 11th August 2018 during a press conference.

Silva also said, "I cannot leave without thanking all of my teammates, the coaches that had faith in me and the RFEF employees that do everything to make our lives easier. I also want to thank my family for their support over the years, without their help I would never have been able to form part of this team. And of course, the fans who have always given me their support and respect every time I wore the Spain shirt. Thank you, good luck and farewell!"