Busquets announces his retirement from international football after Spain's World Cup exit

The third Spanish appearance designer, Sergio Busquets, has announced his retirement from international football.

The 34-year-old captained Spain in each of their four World Cup appearances in Qatar, missing a penalty in the shootout as Luis Enrique's side were knocked out by the Morocco in the round of 16.

Busquets made his debut for La Roja against Turkey in April 2009 and has made 143 appearances, trailing only Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos in the country's history.

The Barcelona midfielder, who scored two international goals, was an integral part of the Spanish teams that won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship two years later.

“I want to thank everyone who has accompanied me on this long journey,” he wrote on Instagram.

"From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique for making me enjoy it until the last second.

"I also thank Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro and Robert Moreno for their trust, as well as all their staff.

"And, of course, to each of my teammates, with whom I struggled to try to take the team where it deserved, with more or less success but always giving everything and with the most great pride.

"It was an honor to represent my country and bring it to the top.

"To be world and European champion, to be captain and to play so many matches, with more or less success but always give everything and bring my grain of sand so that everything goes in the right direction."

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A post shared by Sergio Busquets (@5sergiob)