Xavi retires from international football

It's the end of an era. 

Spanish midfielder Xavi announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday. 

The 34-year-old won 133 caps for La Roja, helping his country win the 2010 FIFA World Cup along with back-to-back European Championships. 

"I've taken the decision to leave the national team. My time there has finished," he said in an official press release. 

"From now on I'm another fan of the Spain team. I'm grateful to everybody at the Federation (RFEF), it's been a marvelous time for me to be there for so many years and have so much success. I'm leaving very proud and I wish them all the best."

The Barcelona star was named player of the tournament at EURO 2008, forming the nucleus of a daunting midfield alongside Andres Iniesta that would carry Spain to international domination in three consecutive tournaments.