Saturday, 21st June, 2014
Xabi Alonso is retiring from international football with Spain following the World Cup.
The 32-year-old, who is due to turn 33 in November, took the decision before a ball was even kicked in Brazil, according to Madrid-based daily Marca.
Alonso, who has won 113 caps for the Spain side, believes the time is right to move aside for a new generation and concentrate on his club career.
The former Liverpool midfielder agreed during negotiations to extend his contract with Real Madrid that he would not continue with Spain past the World Cup.
Real Madrid, who handed Alonso an extension running until 2016, are believed to have been concerned about the workload international matches could have placed on an ageing midfielder.
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Alonso has played in three World Cups for Spain, winning the tournament in 2010 in South Africa.
He also picked up two European Championships in a golden era for La Roja.
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