Xabi Alonso announces retirement from international football

With 114 appearances and 16 goals to his name, Xabi Alonso is hanging up his cleats after an 11-year international career that's seen him win a World Cup as well as two European Championships and a Confederations Cup.

Alonso's announcement came via a letter in which he looked back on his time with Spain's national team and thanked all those who "have shown and taught" him during what he describes as an "unforgettable part of my life."

Per the official website of La Furia Roja:

I quit the Spanish National Team. The hardest thing is knowing when to say goodbye, and after thinking about it, I think that my time with the National squad has come to an end.

It has been a glorious period with the Spanish team that started more than 11 years ago, I have formed part of an historical generation that has fulfilled the dreams of millions of fans, achieving something as unique as winning a World Cup and two European Championships in a row.

Since that April 30th, 2003 when I made my debut aged 21, I have only lived great moments, so I only have words of gratitude for all those with whom I have shared more than one decade.
 
I want to thank all of my coaches, teammates, employees of this house and the millions of fans who have always shown me their love and respect. 
 
Iñaki Sáez, the unforgettable Luis Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque are figures that I will always carry with me because they have made me grow professionally and personally.
 
I could not enumerate all the teammates with whom I've shared this jersey, but from here I want to thank each and every one of them all that they have shown and taught me during this unforgettable part of my life.

All the professionals who work for the RFEF have shown me their love and dedication making me feel like home. Theirs are also all the successes we have achieved.
 
Thanks to Real Sociedad, Liverpool and Real Madrid for letting me be part of a dream. In all my clubs they have always supported me to make my dream come true.
 
To conclude, I wish to convey my sincere thanks to the fans. We dream together and share the glory. I have lived many unforgettable moments in which you were the main protagonists.
 
I wish good luck to all those who will continue working and fighting for this jersey. You will all reach new successes.

Thank you all and goodbye. 
 
Xabi Alonso

The infographic below provides the details of Alonso's remarkable international career. He truly is one of the best midfielders of his generation.