David Silva announces international retirement from Spain

Former World Cup and European Championship winner David Silva announced his international retirement from Spain on Monday.

The statement on Silva's Twitter account reads:

Open letter:

It's not easy to write this after all that I have experienced. I've been thinking things through for the past days and weeks, thinking what the National Team means to me. Without a doubt it is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to take and I say it from humility and gratitude.

The National Team has given me everything and taught me how to grow from the youth squads to the senior side. I can proudly say I played 125 games and have scored 35 goals with the National Team, throughout the past 12 years, where we won two EUROs and a World Cup.

I leave happy for everything I have achieved in this team, what I've dreamed and experienced with a team that will never be forgotten. I put an end to a stage in my life, full of emotion for all the moments that come to mind, like the role of Luis Aragonés, a teacher we will never forget.

I cannot leave without thanking my teammates, all the coaches who had faith in me and with the RFEF employees, who give it all to make our life easier.

I also wish to thank my family for their support all these years, without their help I would not have been part of the great history behind the National Team. And, of course, I wish to thank all the fans who shared their support and respect everytime I wore the Spain jersey.

Thank you, good luck and farewell!

David Silva

The Manchester City midfielder ends his illustrious career on the international stage with 35 goals in 125 appearances.

Silva made his senior debut against Romania in 2006 before being named to the Spain team that won the 2008 European Championship - the nation's first major trophy since 1964.

He was a regular contributor for the national team during its 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign but only managed to play a minor role in helping the country win the tournament.

The 32-year-old became a prominent figure two years later when Spain repeated as continental champions with a 4-0 win over Italy in the 2012 European Championship.

After Spain's dreadful 2014 World Cup campaign, Silva started all four matches during its unsuccessful showing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.