Spanish legend Xavi has announced his retirement from international football while pledging his future to Barcelona, finally ending speculation that he could leave the Nou Camp this summer.
Xavi won 133 international caps – more than any other player than goalkeeper Iker Casillas – and played a fundamental role in La Roja winning three consecutive major titles: the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010.
The 34-year-old’s decision to leave the international stage was widely anticipated following Spain’s disappointing tournament in Brazil this summer, which saw the reigning champions make a group stage exit after Xavi won his final cap in a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of the Netherlands.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his return to training with Barcelona a fortnight ago, Xavi confirmed he had always intended to call time on his Spain career after this summer’s World Cup and revealed that he nearly retired from international football two years ago after Ukraine and Poland.
“I was going to retire after Euro 2012 but coach Vicente Del Bosque persuaded me to stay on and go to Brazil, which was of course a huge disappointment for everyone and myself individually,” he said.
“After Euro 2012, it was generally understood I was going to be leaving after Brazil 2014.”
Rather than dwelling on the disappointment of his most recent international action, Xavi preferred to look back on the successes he enjoyed as he reflected upon his time with La Roja.
“I’m grateful for all those years,” he added.
“It has been a fantastic time. I want to thank everyone involved in the team for the way they treated me. I could not wish for a better time as an international.”
Coach Del Bosque, who developed a close and mutually trusting relationship with his midfield general over their six years together with Spain, was quick to lead the tributes to his departing star.
“I would like to express my appreciation for a fantastic player,” said Del Bosque. “We have lost a unique footballer and one who will be difficult to replace. Xavi was more important to the team than the manager.
“We will miss him both on and off the pitch. He is someone we hold in great esteem, both personally and as a player.”
However, Xavi hopes his international retirement will allow him to continue to play a key role at club level for Barca, finally breaking his silence on his decision to stay at the Nou Camp after having set his mind on a move to pastures new.
Xavi holds the record for the most Barcelona appearances, having played in more than 700 official matches, while he is also the most decorated player in the club’s history having won 22 titles in totals.
He received numerous offers over the course of the summer, including Manchester City’s MLS franchise in New York, while Arabian Gulf League side Fujairah made it known of their interest but backed out of any potential deal once they were made aware of the midfielder’s desire to remain with the Catalan giants.
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Explaining his initial conviction to leave Barca arose from his failure to contribute significantly to the team’s unsuccessful La Liga title bid in May, he said: “I finished last season feeling a little disappointed.
“I was benched for the last game of the season and I didn’t feel I was any use to the team. So I decided, maybe a little too impulsively, to tell the club it was best for me to put an end to this part of my career.”
When the dust had settled, though, conversations with sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and new coach Luis Enrique were enough to force the veteran to change his mind.
“I went on holiday and spoke with Zubizarreta and Enrique, who made me see that I can still be important here, useful and competitive,” he said. “I want to thank the club for their patience.
“It was purely a footballing decision and nothing to do with money or a lack of other alternatives. Now I am excited about the future.”
