By Victor Kanayo
Spanish and Barcelona Legend, Sergio Ramos, has quit international football after two years of exclusion from the national team.
His career of about 18 years has been ladened with trophies, after making 180 appearances for La Roja.
Disclosing his intention to retire in a statement, Ramos said, “The time has come. Time for me to say goodbye to the Spain national team.”
“This morning, I received a call from the current Head Coach who informed me that I am not and will not be part of his plans, regardless of how I perform or what I do in my career. With a heavy heart, it’s the end of the road that I hoped would stretch out further and which would end with a better taste in my mouth.
“I honestly believe that this journey deserved to end at my own choosing or because my performances were not at a level worthy of our national team. Because age in itself is not a virtue or a defect; it’s just a number that is not necessarily related to performance or ability. I admire and envy players like Modric, Messi and Pepe. Unfortunately, it won’t be like that for me because football isn’t always fair and football is never just football.
“I come away with unforgettable memories, all the titles we’ve fought for and celebrated together and the tremendous pride I feel as the most capped Spanish international of all time. This badge, this shirt and these fans, all of you, have made me happy. My heartfelt thanks to all of you who believed in me!”
Ramos was part of the Spain team that won their first ever World Cup trophy in 2010, which was sandwiched between two European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.
Aside being Spain’s most capped player, Ramos places sixth in the all time record book for men’s national team players.
The top spot is jointly held by Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa and Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo with 196 caps apiece.
The defender’s last ever Spain appearance came off the bench against Kosovo on March 31, 2021.
The 36-year-old Paris St Germain defender, who won the World Cup in 2010, as well as two European Championships, has not played for Spain since March 2021.
